Why Illinois is issuing separate COVID-19 vaccine guidelines for fall
The Illinois Department of Health issued expansive guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines Tuesday independent of the federal government, saying it is necessary to dispel “confusion.”
The directive recommends that children ages six to 23 months, adults and pregnant women get COVID-19 shots.
Officials also advise COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 2 through 17 who have underlying health issues, such as diabetes or asthma, immune deficiencies or whose parents want them to be inoculated.
“As the federal vaccine panel review process continues to cause confusion and uncertainty, this measure will ensure continuity and clarity for vaccine administration,” officials said.
In addition, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra issued a standing order that enables Illinoisans to obtain vaccines at retail pharmacies and health care centers. Federal insurance programs and state-regulated health insurance will cover COVID-19 shots, the agency said.
Respiratory viruses gain momentum in fall, so it’s key to take a proactive approach to minimizing the impact on people, “and that’s where this IDPH guidance is coming” from, Northwestern Medicine infectious disease specialist Dr. Irfan Hafiz explained.
“The goal is not just to prevent disease, but also mainly to prevent spread. Even though you may not have risks for serious illness, you’re protecting people that you interact with,” noted Hafiz, chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock hospitals.
“With that, you’re reducing the burden on the existing health care systems. If we can reduce the number of people that need to get acute care, that’s better for the people who need the care so they have access to it.”
The IDPH issued its respiratory virus season recommendations following findings by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee Monday. The committee is comprised of medical experts in fields including epidemiology and pediatrics.
The move comes after a U.S. Centers for Disease Control advisory panel on Friday decided to not recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for Americans, including seniors, reversing previous policies.
Rather, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that “vaccination for COVID-19 be determined by individual decision-making,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced.
The agency is now led by Robert Kennedy Jr., who has cast doubt on the efficacy of vaccines, despite scientific evidence supporting their use.
In 2024, COVID-19 vaccines nearly halved the number of Illinois seniors being hospitalized, the IDPH said.
“Illinois will continue to empower providers and families across our state with the information and access they need to guard against illness and disease,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement.
The state also recommended all residents ages six months and older receive flu shots.
Regarding RSV, the IDPH advises immunization for: women during weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy; adults ages 50 through 74 at risk of severe outcomes from RSV; seniors age 75 and older; all infants under eight months whose mothers weren’t vaccinated; and children between eight and 19 months who would face health risks if they contracted the respiratory virus.