SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Public Health released its updated fall respiratory virus vaccine guidance on Tuesday.

Moreover, the IDPH has released a statewide standing order to guarantee access to COVID-19 vaccines. For routine, non-seasonal immunizations, IDPH advises health care providers to adhere to the CDC’s immunization schedules for both children and adults. These schedules, issued as of Aug. 7, are grounded in years of scientific research, data, and best practices.

These specific measures are being taken in accordance with the executive order issued by Governor JB Pritzker earlier this month.

The fall vaccine guidance adopted by IDPH followed deliberation and votes from the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC) on Sept. 22. The committee is made up of 20 experts knowledgeable in various relevant fields:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious diseases
• Pediatrics
• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Public health

“While the federal government is neglecting its duty to offer clear, science-based advice, Illinois is taking initiative,” Pritzker stated. “Our state will continue to empower healthcare providers and families with the necessary information and access to protect themselves from illnesses and diseases.”

IDPH has issued the following guidance for the 2025-26 respiratory illness season:

• Flu vaccination is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.
• RSV immunization is recommended for:
  • All pregnant people during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy.
  • All infants under the age of 8 months without maternal RSV vaccine protection entering their first RSV season.
  • Children ages 8-19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease.
  • Adults age 50-74 at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
  • All adults ages 75 years and older.
• COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:
  • All children ages 6-23 months.
  • Children ages 2-17 years who have at least one underlying risk factor, who have weakened immune systems, who have never been previously vaccinated for COVID-19, who live in congregate settings or live in households with those at risk for severe COVID-19.
  • Children ages 2-17 years without underlying risk factors whose parents/guardians want them to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • All pregnant people and those who are planning pregnancy, those who are postpartum (after pregnancy), or during lactation.
  • All adults 18 years and older.

During the last season, flu vaccines lowered the risk of hospitalization for children by up to 78%, COVID-19 vaccines reduced senior hospitalizations by almost 50%, and RSV protection averted nearly 90% of infant hospitalizations.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra has issued a standing order allowing residents who require a COVID-19 vaccine to access it at pharmacies and other clinical locations. This order will enable healthcare providers at these sites to administer the COVID-19 vaccines in line with IDPH’s recommendations.

COVID-19 vaccinations will be covered by federal insurance programs, fully insured plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and state-regulated insurance programs. Additionally, most private insurers have signaled their plan to continue covering the COVID-19 vaccine.

For other routine, non-seasonal vaccinations, IDPH is recommending providers follow the Aug. 7 CDC Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and the Adult Immunization Schedules located on IDPH’s website. This schedule however does not include the updated COVID-19 recommendations and providers are urged to follow Illinois’ recommendations.

IDPH will also issue updated immunization schedule recommendations as appropriate if there is new federal or medical specialty society guidance for review or receive other recommendations from the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee.

“All Illinoisans, including concerned parents and health care providers, deserve credible, transparent, science-based vaccine guidance,” Vohra said. “IDPH’s recommendations, made in consultation with our Immunization Advisory Committee, will ensure that residents can protect themselves and their family members this upcoming respiratory season.”

As the fall respiratory virus season starts, IDPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard is designed to provide information on COVID-19, flu and RSV activity across the state. Illinois typically experiences a peak in flu, RSN and COVID-19 activity in December with flu typically having a second peak in February.

IDPH also provides a Vaccine Locator Dashboard with information on where to find publicly funded vaccines.

As Illinois prepares for peak viral season, IDPH is urging residents to get vaccinated early and speak with their health care provider if they have any questions. Vaccine locations are available through the IDPH Vaccine Locator Dashboard, local health departments, pharmacies and health care providers. Residents are also able to track the status of the flu and COVID-19 vaccine coverage in their counties.