SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that the state will not adopt newly announced federal child vaccine guidance and will continue following recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
State rejects federal guidance, cites science
The decision comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine — commonly known as MMR — to be administered as three separate shots over three appointments, and proposing that several other vaccines be recommended only for select groups rather than broadly for all children.
In a statement, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the agency is "committed to ensuring Illinois residents have reliable access to vaccines and guidance supported by the most up-to-date science." He added that IDPH will continue to be guided by science and will coordinate with clinical and community leaders to provide recommendations that help Illinoisans make informed choices.
"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 also criticized the executive order, calling it a "thoughtless piece of paper" that does not alter existing scientific evidence about childhood immunizations.
Which guidance Illinois will follow
State officials said Illinois will adhere to vaccine recommendations adopted earlier this year from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The state's Immunization Advisory Committee previously endorsed those recommendations unanimously in February.
The AAP-aligned schedule that IDPH will continue to follow includes:
- Hepatitis B: completion of the series by age 2
- Hepatitis A: two doses by age 2
- MMR: first dose by age 2; second dose between ages 4 and 6
- Influenza and COVID-19: at least one dose by age 2 and annual doses after age 2
State health officials emphasized those recommendations are based on current pediatric guidance and peer-reviewed evidence guiding vaccine schedules.
Federal action vs. state authority
The executive order encourages what the White House described as a revised set of federal recommendations — referred to in the order as the "Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations" — and suggests states update laws accordingly. Health policy experts and state officials note, however, that states retain the authority to set vaccine requirements for school attendance.
Illinois' decision underscores the division between federal advisory actions and state public-health authority. While the federal government can provide guidance and incentives, it does not directly rewrite state laws governing immunization requirements for schools and childcare settings.
What this means for parents and providers
For Illinois parents and pediatric providers, the immediate effect is continuity: medical practices, clinics and school-entry health offices will continue following the AAP-based schedule outlined by IDPH.
Officials said continuing the current recommendations is intended to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and preserve consistent standards for school immunizations and pediatric care across the state.
| Vaccine | Recommendation (AAP/IDPH) |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | Series completed by age 2 |
| Hepatitis A | Two doses by age 2 |
| MMR | First dose by 2; second dose at 4–6 |
| Influenza & COVID-19 | At least one dose by age 2; annual thereafter |
State health officials did not indicate any immediate changes to school-entry requirements. They repeated that any revision to legal mandates for vaccination would require action at the state level.
Context and next steps
Public-health leaders in Illinois said they will continue to monitor guidance from clinical groups and scientific bodies and will convey updated recommendations if new evidence warrants changes. For now, parents should expect their children's immunization schedules to follow the AAP-based guidance maintained by IDPH.
Health providers and families with questions about vaccine timing or requirements were directed to contact the Illinois Department of Public Health or consult with their pediatrician for individualized guidance.
— Danielle Osei, State Correspondent
