Director Vohra on Hepatitis B Guidance

Director Vohra on Hepatitis B Guidance

Dear Colleagues,

As Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), I am reaffirming Illinois's recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth, consistent with the evidence-based guidance of the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC).

Under the provisions of Public Act 104-0439 (House Bill 767), signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on December 2, 2025, IDPH is empowered to issue transparent, science-based vaccine guidance through the IL-IAC. This law expands and codifies Governor Pritzker's Executive Order 2025-04, continuing our efforts to implement Illinois's Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative.

Following careful review and deliberation, IDPH reaffirms the following recommendations:

• Universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth to prevent hepatitis B infections in children.
• All infants should complete the Hepatitis B vaccine series following the schedule found in the IDPH-adopted Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
• All pregnant individuals should be screened for hepatitis B in the first trimester or their first prenatal visit. Any individuals who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection should also get screened on admission for delivery.
• IDPH reaffirms its guidance for flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations as issued in its guidance of September 23, 2025.
• For all other routine vaccinations, IDPH reaffirms its recommendation to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and the Adult Immunization Schedule as of August 7, 2025. Those schedules can be found on the Immunizations page at the IDPH website.

These recommendations are the product of detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical societies, and review of other state recommendations. IDPH recommendations align with those of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, among others.

The need for this guidance, reaffirming medical and public health expert consensus, is based on a recent meeting held by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that raised concerns about the clarity and consistency of federal vaccine guidance. In response, IDPH, working closely with our IL-IAC, remains committed to providing credible, transparent, and science-based recommendations our Illinois providers and families can trust.

As a physician, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of hepatitis B. This serious liver infection raises the risk of liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Fortunately, we have a powerful tool to prevent this illness - the hepatitis B vaccine. Since the universal birth dose was adopted in 1991, hepatitis B infections among U.S. children have dropped by 99 percent.

As both a pediatrician and a parent, I also know that parents and caregivers constantly strive to do what is best for their children. As a dad, I know this comes, at times, with great worry and doubt, wanting to make the best decisions amidst a flood of sometimes contradictory information. It is only natural for us to have questions. As your state health agency, filled with doctors, nurses, and public health experts, it is our responsibility to explain and provide you with the best guidance supported by the most up-to-date information and data. I take that responsibility seriously every day in this role, making sure our agency's recommendations follow those I would make personally and professionally.

Today's hepatitis B guidance is just part of our ongoing effort, under Governor Pritzker's leadership, to ensure that all Illinoisans have uninterrupted access to the immunizations that protect them, their families, and their communities. In addition to the new law signed by the Governor, IDPH has also launched the Illinois Vaccine Access Program (IVAP). Overseen by IDPH, this state-funded initiative supports local health departments with the option to directly order certain vaccines at no cost for Illinoisans who may otherwise lack access. This program does not change existing vaccination recommendations.

As we celebrate the holidays and march towards 2026, IDPH will continue to work with the IL-IAC in the New Year to review and assess immunization schedules as needed, to ensure that we are providing sound, data-driven guidance at all times. We stand ready to support you - health care providers, public health partners, and all who care about the wellbeing of Illinoisans - to ensure you have the tools and information you need to protect your health today and prepare you for tomorrow.

Public health is fueled by the power of partnership. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to our shared charge of improving the health of Illinoisans in every corner of our great State.

Yours in good health,

Sameer Vohra, MD, JD, MA
Director
Illinois Department of Public Health