Illinois Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 vaccines for all adults

SPRINGFIELD (WTVO) — The Illinois Department of Public Health is recommending that all adults receive a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, part of a broader effort to protect residents from respiratory illnesses as the season changes.

To ensure access, IDPH issued a statewide standing order allowing pharmacies and healthcare providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with the department’s updated guidance. The move comes amid growing uncertainty over federal vaccine recommendations, which state officials say no longer follow the rigorous scientific review processes that have guided public health for decades.

“At a time when the federal government is abdicating its responsibility to provide clear, science-informed guidance, Illinois is stepping up,” said Gov. JB 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.”

The new guidance, developed in consultation with the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC), includes recommendations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. The IL-IAC, a panel of 20 medical and public health experts, voted on the recommendations during a meeting on September 22.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all adults, pregnant people, and children as young as six months, with specific guidance for those with underlying health risks or living in high-risk settings.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the recommendations are designed to provide clarity and consistency for families and providers.

“All Illinoisans, including concerned parents and health care providers, deserve credible, transparent, science-based vaccine guidance,” Vohra said. “These recommendations will ensure that residents can protect themselves and their family members this upcoming respiratory season.”

Flu shots are recommended for everyone ages six months and older. RSV immunizations are advised for pregnant people in their third trimester, infants under eight months, children at high risk, and adults over 50 with increased vulnerability — as well as all adults 75 and older.

Dr. Marielle Fricchione, chair of the IL-IAC and associate professor of pediatrics at Rush Medical College, said the committee’s decisions were grounded in scientific evidence and public health best practices.

“We applied an ‘evidence to recommendations’ framework to ensure broad access to safe and effective vaccines,” Fricchione said.

The standing order issued by IDPH will allow residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines at local pharmacies and clinics. Most insurance plans — including those regulated by the Affordable Care Act and state programs — will cover the cost, and many private insurers have indicated they will continue coverage.

Medical organizations across Illinois praised the state’s leadership. Dr. Michelle Barnes, president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the guidance strengthens disease prevention and immunization practices statewide.

“For pediatricians, a child’s health and safety always come first,” Barnes said. “We are deeply grateful to IDPH and the Immunization Advisory Committee for their leadership and dedication to science-based recommendations.”

Dr. Richard Anderson, president of the Illinois State Medical Society, added, “As we enter the fall respiratory virus season, it’s important for children and adults to get timely immunizations to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community.”

IDPH also reaffirmed its support for routine, non-seasonal vaccinations, recommending providers continue to follow the CDC’s August 2025 immunization schedules for children and adults. The department said it will issue updates if new federal or medical society guidance becomes available.

Last season’s data highlights the importance of vaccination: flu shots reduced hospitalization risk by up to 78% for children, COVID-19 vaccines cut hospitalizations among seniors nearly in half, and RSV protection prevented nearly 90% of infant hospitalizations.

To help residents stay informed, IDPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard provides real-time updates on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity across Illinois.

Additionally, for routine, non-seasonal vaccines, IDPH recommends that healthcare providers continue to follow the CDC immunization schedules for children and adults issued as of Aug. 7, 2025.

The department says the measures are being taken in accordance with the executive order issued by Governor Pritzker earlier this month.