Illinois Department of Public Health Urges Public to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season

Illinois Department of Public Health Urges Public to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season

Immunizations remain safe, effective and the best protection against respiratory viruses and other illnesses

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today released fall respiratory virus immunization guidance for children, adults, and pregnant individuals. The fall immunization guidance was adopted by IDPH based on recommendations made on September 9, 2026, by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC), a group of 20 highly qualified experts spanning infectious diseases, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

The guidance was issued in response to ongoing immunization actions taken by the federal government which are not rooted in scientific evidence. IDPH is committed to providing Illinois residents with reliable, science-based guidance they can use to make informed decisions for the health of themselves and their loved ones.

Additionally, IDPH also endorsed the routine, non-seasonal adult and maternal immunization schedules, previously approved by the nation's leading medical associations. These routine schedules do not differ from what IDPH endorsed in 2025, and are based on years of science, research, data, and best practices. Pediatric providers should follow the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which IDPH adopted in February 2026.

"Illinois residents and health care providers deserve credible, transparent, and science-based immunization guidance," said IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra. "IDPH's recommendations, developed in consultation with the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee, ensure our residents have the best available information this respiratory season to protect themselves and their families. I encourage Illinois residents to stay up to date on recommended immunizations to reduce their risk of serious illness."

"After robust discussion, the IAC strongly endorsed immunization recommendations from multiple leading medical professional societies. These endorsements demonstrate the IAC's continued commitment to evidence-based decision making and support of public health initiatives that benefit all Illinois residents," said Dr. Janet Jokela, Chair of the IL-IAC. "These recommendations will allow Illinoisans to make informed decisions about what immunizations they need to keep themselves safe not only during respiratory virus season, but year-round."

In addition to releasing immunization guidance, Director Vohra issued a standing order to reduce barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine. The standing order allows the COVID-19 vaccine to be offered at additional locations.

Action from the Pritzker Administration

Today's guidance is the latest in a series of steps taken by the Pritzker Administration to protect Illinoisans' access to lifesaving immunizations, including:

• 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 immunizations.
• Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 104-0439 in December 2025, further empowering IDPH to create and publish science-based immunization guidance for Illinoisans, requiring state-regulated insurers to cover immunizations 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.

Guidance & Prevention

As the fall respiratory virus season begins, IDPH's Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard provides important information on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity in Illinois. Residents may also track the flu and COVID-19 vaccine coverage rates in their counties throughout the season. Uninsured or underinsured Illinois residents are encouraged to contact their local health department or to use IDPH's Vaccine Locator Dashboard for information on where to find no-cost vaccines.

IDPH recommends the following immunization guidance for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season:

• Flu vaccination is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.
• RSV immunization is recommended for:
  • All pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy if not previously vaccinated. The maternal vaccination season has been extended and should go from September through March 1^st.
  • All infants under the age of 8 months without maternal RSV vaccine protection entering their first RSV season.
  • Children ages 8 months through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
  • Adults ages 50 years through 74 years at increased risk of severe RSV disease if not previously vaccinated.
  • All adults ages 75 years and older if not previously vaccinated.
• COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:
  • All children ages 6 months through 23 months.
  • Children ages 2 years through 18 years in certain risk groups, or if desired.
  • All pregnant people and those who are planning pregnancy, those who are postpartum (after pregnancy), or during lactation.
  • All adults 19 years and older.