SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday said the state will not adopt new federal child vaccine guidelines announced by President Donald Trump and will continue to follow recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
State sticks with pediatric experts
The executive order released Monday urged changes to childhood immunization timing, including administering the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine — commonly called MMR — as three separate shots at three appointments instead of the combined dose most children now receive. The order also suggested reclassifying recommendations for several vaccines, such as hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, influenza and COVID-19, to narrower groups or to guidance based on clinician-patient decision-making.
But Illinois officials said the federal guidance will not change what families are advised to do in this state.
"The Illinois Department of Public Health is committed to ensuring Illinois residents have reliable access to vaccines and guidance supported by the most up-to-date science," IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, whose office has pushed back against federal shifts on other pandemic-era policies, called the presidential order a "thoughtless piece of paper" and said it "does not reverse decades of research and scientific evidence about protecting kids."
Which recommendations Illinois will follow
Illinois already adopted pediatric guidance developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics earlier this year. The state's Immunization Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed that schedule in February, and IDPH reiterated it will continue to rely on those recommendations.
According to IDPH's restatement of the AAP guidance, Illinois recommends the following for most children by age 2:
- Hepatitis B series
- At least one COVID-19 vaccination
- At least one influenza (flu) shot
- First dose of MMR
- Two doses of Hepatitis A
The guidance also recommends a second dose of MMR at an older age to complete the standard two-dose series. State officials emphasized that the AAP recommendations reflect current scientific evidence and expert clinical judgement.
States set school vaccine rules
Federal officers have no direct authority to mandate state school-entry vaccine requirements. Laws that determine what vaccinations are required for school attendance are set by each state’s legislature and public-health agencies. IDPH said it will continue coordinating with clinical and community leaders to ensure recommendations align with evolving science.
"IDPH will continue to be guided by science and work closely with clinical and community leaders to provide recommendations that allow Illinoisans to make the best choices to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy," Dr. Vohra said.
Practical impact for families and providers
For parents and pediatric providers in Illinois, the announcement means current vaccine schedules and school-required immunizations remain unchanged for the time being. Clinics and health systems that had adopted the AAP guidance will not be required to split the combined MMR into three separate visits or alter the state-endorsed timing for other childhood vaccines in response to the federal order.
Public-health officials often stress that recommended schedules are designed to provide protection early in life, when children are most vulnerable to severe complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. The AAP’s timetable is widely used by clinicians nationwide and has been incorporated into Illinois’ advisory processes.
Ongoing dialogue and future updates
Although Illinois is declining to change its guidance now, public-health policy can shift if new evidence emerges. IDPH said it will continue to monitor federal and professional guidance and work with immunization experts. For now, families should consult their pediatrician or local health department if they have questions about vaccination timing, eligibility or school requirements.
| Vaccine | Illinois/AAP recommendation by age 2 |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | Complete series |
| MMR | First dose by age 2; second dose later to complete series |
| Hepatitis A | Two doses |
| Influenza | At least one dose (seasonal) |
| COVID-19 | At least one dose recommended |
Parents with concerns about vaccine timing or safety should reach out to their child's health care provider for personalized advice. Public-health officials reiterated that Illinois’ vaccination guidance will remain anchored to clinical evidence and expert recommendations despite the new federal directive.
