Illinois issues fall vaccine guidance

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released new guidance for fall respiratory virus vaccines and issued a statewide standing order to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines.

For routine, non-seasonal vaccinations, IDPH recommends that healthcare providers continue following the CDC immunization schedules for children and adults issued as of August 7, 2025. These recommendations are based on extensive research, data, and best practices and align with an executive order issued by Governor JB Pritzker earlier this month.

The fall vaccine guidance was adopted after discussion and votes by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC) on September 22, 2025. The IL-IAC includes 20 experts in fields such as epidemiology, infectious diseases, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

IDPH noted that these measures are necessary because federal vaccine guidance no longer follows the rigorous scientific review processes that have historically prevented serious illness and saved millions of lives.

“At a time when the federal government is abdicating its responsibility to provide clear, science-informed guidance, Illinois is stepping up,” said Governor Pritzker. “Illinois will continue to empower providers and families across our state with the information and access they need to guard against illness and disease.”

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra added, “All Illinoisans, including parents and health care providers, deserve credible, transparent, science-based vaccine guidance. Our recommendations, made with the Immunization Advisory Committee, will help residents protect themselves and their families this respiratory season. The standing order also ensures access to COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies and other healthcare settings.”

2025–2026 Respiratory Illness Season Recommendations

Flu Vaccine:

Recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.

RSV Vaccine:

All pregnant people during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy.
Infants under 8 months without maternal RSV protection entering their first RSV season.
Children ages 8–19 months at increased risk for severe RSV.
Adults ages 50–74 at increased risk for severe RSV.
All adults 75 and older.

COVID-19 Vaccine:

All children 6 months through 23 months.
Children 2–17 with underlying risk factors, weakened immune systems, never previously vaccinated, living in congregate settings, or with household members at risk.
Children 2–17 without risk factors whose parents/guardians choose vaccination.
All pregnant, planning pregnancy, postpartum, or lactating individuals.
All adults 18 and older.

“The committee members had a robust discussion using high-quality scientific evidence,” said Marielle Fricchione, MD, IL-IAC Chair. “This process ensures broad access to safe and effective vaccines.”

Last season, flu vaccination reduced hospitalization risk by up to 78% for children, COVID-19 vaccines nearly halved senior hospitalizations, and RSV protection prevented almost 90% of infant hospitalizations.

Standing Order and Access

The IDPH issued a standing order to allow COVID-19 vaccines to be administered in pharmacies and clinical settings. Coverage will be provided through federal insurance programs, ACA-compliant plans, state-regulated programs, and most private insurers.

For other routine vaccines, providers should continue following the CDC’s August 7, 2025 schedules while adhering to Illinois-specific COVID-19 guidance. Updated immunization schedules will be issued as new federal or specialty society guidance becomes available.

Support from Medical Community

Michelle Barnes, MD, President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, praised the guidance for strengthening disease prevention and immunization practices.
Richard C. Anderson, MD, President of the Illinois State Medical Society, said the recommendations provide clear guidance and emphasize timely immunizations to protect individuals and communities.
Tom Hughes, Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Association, highlighted the importance of clear, science-based guidance amid federal uncertainty.

Additional Resources

IDPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard provides information on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity. Illinois typically sees peak activity in December, with flu sometimes peaking again in February.

Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated early and can find vaccines through the IDPH Vaccine Locator Dashboard, local health departments, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. Vaccine coverage status by county is also available to help residents make informed decisions.

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