Illinois adopts 2026 child immunization schedule from pediatric experts
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Public Health announced it will adopt the 2026 child and adolescent immunization schedule issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, aligning the state with evidence-based guidance from pediatric experts.
The endorsement follows recommendations from the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee and is intended to provide clarity and consistency for Illinois residents and health care providers amid recent federal changes to vaccine guidance, state officials said.
Gov. JB Pritzker said the administration is prioritizing science-based immunization guidance to protect public health. IDPH Director Sameer Vohra said the department is confident the 2026 schedule reflects the best available scientific evidence and will help caregivers and providers keep children healthy and safe.
The AAP’s 2026 schedule continues to recommend routine childhood vaccines supported by robust scientific evidence and previously endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State officials said recent federal changes weakened recommendations for certain vaccines without new scientific data warranting those changes.
Dr. Marielle Fricchione, chair of the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee, said the panel’s endorsement considered vaccine confidence, school safety, provider practices, vaccine equity and access, and the potential impact of vaccine-preventable diseases on hospitals statewide.
IDPH said the newly endorsed AAP schedule is consistent with its previous recommendations and reflects established vaccine science. Illinois’ childhood immunization recommendations are state guidelines for communicable disease prevention and are required to be covered by all state-regulated insurance policies. Vaccines recommended by IDPH also continue to be covered by private insurance plans, Medicaid and the Vaccines for Children program.
The department said it will continue to review emerging evidence and national clinical guidance to ensure immunization recommendations remain grounded in science and focused on protecting public health.
