Illinois childhood vaccination rates remain high, meeting 95% target for most vaccines

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

ILLINOIS (KBSI) – Illinois is maintaining high childhood vaccination rates, with most school-required immunizations meeting or exceeding the state’s target for disease prevention.

According to a joint dashboard from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education, nearly all tracked vaccines have reached the 95% coverage threshold considered optimal for limiting the spread of infectious diseases.

Officials said immunization rates for 10 of 11 required vaccines are slightly higher than the previous school year, with meningococcal vaccination the only one below the 95% benchmark at 94.39%.

The data, collected from more than 4,600 schools across Illinois, shows measles vaccination rates among the highest at 96.78%, helping keep case counts low in the state despite increases nationwide.

State leaders said continued efforts to expand vaccine access and provide science-based guidance have helped maintain strong immunization coverage and protect public health.