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4d ago

Pritzker Signs Illinois Law Letting Pharmacists Give Flu and COVID Shots to Children 3–7

Illinois moves to counter federal pullbacks by empowering state experts to set vaccine guidance.

Gov. JB Prtizker holds Illinois House Bill 767 after signing it on Dec. 2, 2025, at the Illinois Department of Human Rights office in Chicago’s West Loop. The legislation formally establishes a process for state-level vaccine guidelines and expands pharmacy access to COVID-19 and other shots for young children across Illinois. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • The new law authorizes pharmacists to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 3 to 7 without a prescription.
  • It codifies and extends a September executive order intended to ensure providers and pharmacies can continue vaccinating patients despite shifting federal policy.
  • The measure establishes an Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee to issue state vaccine recommendations, with most provisions taking effect immediately.
  • State-regulated health insurance plans must cover vaccines recommended under Illinois guidelines, with coverage changes starting Jan. 1.
  • Pritzker framed the action as a response to federal changes under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including narrower FDA authorizations and a CDC panel’s shift to individual decision-making, as officials note rising measles cases.