Executive Order Issued to Ensure Immunization Access for Illinoisans
September 19, 2025
Last week Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-04 to protect vaccine access during the anticipated rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses later this fall.
The EO establishes the “Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative,” which will be led by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director and ISMS member Sameer Vohra, M.D., J.D., M.A. This initiative will permit Dr. Vohra to issue a Standing Order to allow eligible providers in pharmacies and other appropriate clinical settings to administer vaccines based on science-based guidance recommended by the Department’s expert Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC).
The EO calls for IDPH and partner state agencies to publish plain-language guidance; continue to support school-based vaccination efforts; and work with local health departments, community health centers, disability organizations and rural providers to reach families statewide. The Executive Order will also:
Later this month, the IAC will release specific vaccine public guidance to help appropriate healthcare professionals and Illinois residents make informed decisions about vaccines.
If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Legal Division by email.
Last week Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-04 to protect vaccine access during the anticipated rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses later this fall.
The EO establishes the “Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative,” which will be led by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director and ISMS member Sameer Vohra, M.D., J.D., M.A. This initiative will permit Dr. Vohra to issue a Standing Order to allow eligible providers in pharmacies and other appropriate clinical settings to administer vaccines based on science-based guidance recommended by the Department’s expert Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC).
The EO calls for IDPH and partner state agencies to publish plain-language guidance; continue to support school-based vaccination efforts; and work with local health departments, community health centers, disability organizations and rural providers to reach families statewide. The Executive Order will also:
- Require state-regulated insurance companies to cover vaccines that are based on state recommendations without patient cost-sharing, including seasonal and routine child and adult vaccines
- Direct IDPH to ensure that the state’s Vaccines for Children program is maintained even if action at the federal level disrupts the supply chain for respiratory vaccines
Later this month, the IAC will release specific vaccine public guidance to help appropriate healthcare professionals and Illinois residents make informed decisions about vaccines.
If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Legal Division by email.