Prairie State Wire

Last week, the Illinois General Assembly approved House Bill 767 during its Fall Veto Session. The bill aims to formalize recent executive orders that focus on improving access to vaccines in the state.

The new legislation gives expanded authority to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Immunization Advisory Committee. This committee will now be able to issue vaccine guidelines specific to Illinois, rather than relying solely on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

House Bill 767 also changes rules regarding who can administer vaccinations to children. Under this law, pharmacists will be permitted to provide flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged three years and older. However, language supported by the Illinois State Medical Society ensures that school-required vaccinations must still be administered by a child’s treating physician.

The initiative for this legislation came from Governor Pritzker’s office.

For further information, questions can be directed via email to Erin O'Brien, Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs at the Illinois State Medical Society.