Illinois health officials reaffirm childhood vaccine schedule despite federal executive order
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Public Health says it will continue following its existing childhood immunization schedule despite a new federal executive order seeking changes to vaccine guidance.
IDPH said it continues to endorse the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and is not recommending changes based on the executive order.
The department said the current schedule is supported by years of research showing the vaccines are safe and effective at protecting children from preventable illnesses.
“Despite the latest Presidential Executive Order, IDPH’s endorsement of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 Childhood Vaccine Schedule remains in effect,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said.
Vohra raised concerns about provisions in the executive order, including a call to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine into individual shots. IDPH said such a change is not supported by scientific evidence and could require families to make additional medical appointments without a proven health benefit.
Gov. JB Pritzker also criticized the federal action and said Illinois would continue relying on scientific guidance when making vaccine recommendations.
Illinois adopted the AAP’s 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule in February following earlier changes to federal vaccine guidance.
State officials said Illinois’ school immunization requirements have not changed ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
According to IDPH, all but one vaccine required for Illinois schools have vaccination rates of at least 95%, the state’s goal for limiting disease spread. During the 2025-26 school year, 96.8% of Illinois students were vaccinated against measles.
IDPH is encouraging parents to check their children’s immunization records and make sure required vaccinations are completed before the new school year.
