Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-04 on September 12 to protect vaccine access throughout the state. The order responds directly to a series of disruptive federal actions that have fueled confusion and threatened the availability of life-saving immunizations.
Governor Pritzker’s executive order establishes the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative, spearheaded by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and involving multiple state agencies. The initiative aims to deliver consistent, transparent, science-based guidance on vaccines and ensure all Illinoisans can readily access necessary immunizations.
“This is about making sure no family in Illinois is left wondering if they can protect themselves against preventable serious illness,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When the federal government abandons its responsibility, Illinois will step up. We will follow the science, listen to medical experts, and do everything in our power to enable families to receive the care they need.”
Major medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), have condemned the federal rollback of vaccine recommendations. These organizations continue to support broad access to COVID-19 and other critical vaccines, underlining their safety and effectiveness for public health.
A central provision of the order authorizes the IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra, to issue a Standing Order that expands the ability of pharmacists and other qualified providers to administer vaccines recommended by the state’s Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC). This ensures broad distribution points for vaccines across pharmacy and clinical settings, reinforcing timely access statewide.
“Vaccines are safe, effective, and essential to saving lives,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “With confusing and conflicting guidelines from the federal government, the Executive Order ensures Illinois residents have the credible, transparent, and science-based guidance they need to make vaccine decisions for themselves and their family. We will work with every partner—from pharmacies to schools to rural clinics—to ensure access to critical vaccines to keep our Illinois residents and their families protected.”
The executive order also calls for publication of plain-language guidance for the public, continuation of school-based vaccination efforts, and targeted outreach through local health departments, community clinics, organizations for people with disabilities, and providers serving rural areas.
To cement a foundation in evidence and expertise, Illinois has reinforced the credentials and composition of its Immunization Advisory Committee. The IAC—comprising specialists in infectious diseases, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and epidemiology—will convene on September 22 to formulate recommendations for fall respiratory vaccines. IDPH will translate these recommendations into public and provider guidance before September 26.
