Pritzker Expands Vaccine Access In IL With New Bill

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Tuesday that aims to protect residents' access to vaccines within the state.

HB 767 expands and codifies Pritzker's September executive order, which empowers the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Immunization Advisory Committee to expand vaccine access and back science-based guidelines.

“It is vitally important that Illinois families can get trusted advice about vaccines, guided by experts and established research," Pritzker said in a statement. "With this new law, we will be able to respond swiftly to any dangerous or anti-science actions at the federal level — and ensure Illinoisans stay protected. More affordable and accessible health care for all Illinoisans prevents illness and saves lives.”

Key provisions of the new legislation include the creation and publication of vaccine guidelines for Illinoisans based on expert guidance; requiring state-regulated health insurance issuers to cover vaccines and related administration based on IDPH recommendations; and the reduction of the minimum age for pharmacist administration of certain vaccines from 7-years-old to 3-years-old.

“This new law represents Illinois at its best, leading with evidence, protecting with purpose, and preparing for the future. By strengthening immunization guidance and expanding access to vaccines, HB 767 ensures that families across Illinois have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.

The bill comes as the federal government has rolled back vaccine policies nationwide.

In May, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations that healthy pregnant women and children receive COVID vaccines.

In August, the Food and Drug Administration approved new seasonal versions of the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech and from Moderna, but only for everyone age 65 or older, the FDA said.

Those 64 or younger would only receive the vaccines if they have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, the FDA said.

Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, has also pushed to cancel vaccine research and clinical trials.

In response, the IDPH issued its own fall respiratory virus vaccine guidance and issued a statewide standing order to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines.

"These actions are necessary because the federal government is no longer following its rigorous scientific review processes for vaccine-related decisions," according to a release from IDPH.