For Immediate Release – August 12, 2026
IDPH Reaffirms Existing Child Immunization Schedule Based on Science
Federal executive order does not change Illinois science-based approach to life-saving vaccines
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans that the state’s existing endorsement of the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule remains unchanged, despite a federal executive order this week seeking to make changes to established vaccine guidance. IDPH notes that years of study confirm the vaccines on the existing child and adolescent schedule are safe and effective in keeping children healthy and protecting them from the effects of serious preventable illnesses.
“A thoughtless piece of paper does not reverse decades of research and scientific evidence about protecting kids,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “While the president tries to confuse and distract the American public, Illinois will continue to follow the science-based guidance that keeps our children safe from serious illness.”
“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,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). “Despite the latest Presidential Executive Order, IDPH’s endorsement of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 Childhood Vaccine Schedule remains in effect, unanimously supported by Illinois’ Immunization Advisory Committee. IDPH will continue to be guided by science and work closely with clinical and community leaders to provide recommendations that allow Illinoisians to make the best choices to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.”
Director Vohra noted several concerns with the executive order, such as its call to split the MMR vaccine into separate shots, a move that is not supported by scientific evidence. The Director also noted that requiring shots to be split up among multiple visits would increase the burden on parents and caregivers, as it would necessitate additional doctor’s appointments that would cost time and money, with no proven health benefit.
Under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, IDPH has taken numerous steps to provide vaccine guidance based on science and increase access to vaccines statewide. These steps include:
- In early February 2026, IDPH adopted the science-based 2026 child and adolescent immunization schedule issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, in response to federal changes to immunization guidance that were not backed by scientific evidence.
- IDPH continues to support local health departments (LHD) on immunization awareness and education, and to make immunizations more accessible through mobile clinics and directly providing LHDs with certain vaccines.
- IDPH leads the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative and maintains active collaborations with various state agencies to increase vaccine uptake across the state.
- Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 104-0439 in December 2025, further empowering IDPH to create and publish science-based vaccine guidance for Illinoisans, requiring state-regulated insurers to cover vaccines recommended by IDPH, and expanding access for children to receive immunizations at pharmacies.
- IDPH bolstered its Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC) in 2025, adding more experts to conduct robust review of available evidence about immunizations and make recommendations to IDPH. The IL-IAC will convene again in September and is expected to review recommendations for the fall respiratory season.
Despite a national downward trend, Illinois maintains high childhood vaccination rates:
- All vaccines, except one, required for school in Illinois are at Illinois’s goal immunization rate of 95% or higher to optimize prevention of disease spread.
- During the 2025-2026 school year, 96.8% of students were vaccinated against measles. Illinois continues to see low case counts of measles, even as total numbers nationwide have soared to their highest levels since measles was declared “eliminated” in 2000.
IDPH also reminds parents that now is the time to make sure that children have all required immunizations before the start of the school year. Immunization requirements have not changed. Information for the 2026-27 school year can be found at immunization-requirements-2026-2027.pdf.
