Illinois doctors, other states seeking to counter guidance from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new CDC vaccine panel
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Officials in Illinois and various states are now exploring ways to provide alternatives to the federal vaccine information that both healthcare providers and families have historically depended on, as many in the medical community express doubts about its reliability.

The director of the Illinois Department of Public Health shared with the ABC7 I-Team that current discussions include the possibility of creating interstate vaccination initiatives.

These strategies were disclosed as doctors and other stakeholders demonstrated on Wednesday, coinciding with the new CDC advisory panel on immunization practices convening for the first time. This followed the decision by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. to dismiss all 17 members and appoint a completely new board, inclusive of some individuals who share his critical views on vaccines, to shape the country’s vaccine policies.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

States like Illinois are grappling with how to pick up the ball many in the medical world many believe the feds have dropped.

“What is at stake here, the trust and the credibility in this process that makes it a universal federal standard,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

He said the erosion of that trust is forcing their hand and he and his team are closely watching the two day ACIP committee meeting closely and are ready to act if necessary to protect the health of Illinoisans.

The IDPH director recently sent out a letter to colleagues saying it is doing everything in its power to remain a trusted source of information on vaccines for the public.

“When we talk about vaccines, maintaining that credibility, and if it continues to erode, we will see different coalitions emerge, and we are thinking through all of those contingencies here in Illinois,” Dr. Vohra said.

He explained that he has been in conversations with his counterparts across state lines in the event recommendations from the CDC advisory board go against medical best practices for vaccination and immunization.

Under consideration is regional block sharing of medically-sound information to the public, and even how to offer vaccinations if they are not covered by insurance based on new federal policies.

“I think it goes back to knows what state can take on the burden of what has been a federal government national enterprise,” Dr. Vohra said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is also taking a firm stand against changes underway with the new ACIP board, posting a message from AAP president Dr. Susan Kressly: “For decades, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations have worked to shape immunization policy through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). But now, with the committee dismissals, it is no longer a credible process.”

AAP announced it will continue to publish its own vaccine schedule recommendations independent of the federal government.

The vaccine committee, over the next days with its new members, will be considering serious issues such as RSV shots for children illness, which can be deadly to young children if not vaccinated for.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Meet the stunning model making her Wimbledon debut — against Aryna Sabalenka

Introducing the Gorgeous Model Set to Face Aryna Sabalenka in Her First Wimbledon Appearance

She’s got style, she’s got grace, and Carson Branstine also has one…
Active shooter, wildfire situation unfolding in Idaho after firefighters ambushed in deadly incident

Authorities Discover Deceased Man with Nearby Firearm Hours After Idaho Firefighters Ambushed

Authorities confirmed late Sunday that a SWAT team found a man deceased…
UK court rejects Palestinian human rights group's claim UK is illegally arming Israel

UK Court Dismisses Palestinian Human Rights Group’s Allegation of Illegal UK Arms Sales to Israel

The decision by the UK government to supply Israel with components for…

“Beauty & The Geek Star’s Dramatic Shift from TV Glamour to Shaven-Headed Murder Suspect”

THE former reality TV star charged with the murder of her partner…
Trump administration finds Harvard failed to protect Jewish students, threatens to cut all funding

Trump Administration Accuses Harvard of Neglecting Protection for Jewish Students, Considers Pulling Funding

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration concluded that Harvard University did not…
Luckin Coffee opens first US stores in NYC

Luckin Coffee debuts in the United States with new NYC locations

Luckin Coffee teased the arrival of the New York City stores in…
Senate Republicans are in a sprint on Trump's big bill after a weekend of setbacks

Senate Republicans Race to Advance Trump’s Major Bill Following Weekend Hurdles

Following a weekend filled with obstacles, the Senate prepares to make rapid…
Smoke rising from a burning building in Tehran, following an Israeli strike.

Leading Iranian Cleric Declares Trump and Netanyahu as ‘Enemies of God,’ Calls for Death with Fatwa

A TOP Iranian cleric has issued a fatwa against President Donald Trump…
Aerial view of emergency vehicles outside a Japanese high school.

17 Students and a Teacher Hospitalized After Insecticide Incident in Japanese High School Corridor

AT least 17 pupils and one teacher are said to have been…
2 teens shot near NYC’s Stonewall Inn after Pride March: police

Two Teenagers Injured in Shooting Near NYC’s Stonewall Inn Following Pride March: Police Report

Two teens were shot near New York City’s Stonewall Inn late Sunday…
Diddy Trial: Opening statements expected Monday

Jury Begins Deliberation in Diddy’s Human Trafficking Trial

Combs chose not to testify, and his lawyers didn’t call any witnesses…
Industrial cereal plant multi-head weigher.

38-Year-Old Worker Tragically Dies in Factory Accident Involving Cereal Oven Used for Walmart Products

A FACTORY worker was killed in a horrific accident after getting stuck…