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Purpose: Summarize current state actions and practical steps to maintain vaccine access and evidence-based practice for the 2025–26 respiratory virus season.
Executive Order 2025-04 (dated September 12, 2025) launched the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative. It directed the IDPH to issue standing orders, allowing eligible providers (including pharmacy settings) to administer vaccines recommended by the IDPH in consultation with the Immunization Advisory Committee. Illinois.gov+1
IDPH Fall Vaccine Guidance (dated September 23, 2025) was adopted by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC) on September 22, 2025, and accompanied by a statewide standing order for COVID-19 vaccination access. Illinois Department of Public Health
IDPH Clinical FAQs detail who is recommended for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccination this fall, including all adults 18 years and older for COVID-19, and provide operational notes on the standing order. Illinois Department of Public Health
IDPH 2025–26 Fall Guidance materials: Press release summary and FAQ for flu/RSV/COVID-19, plus the Director’s letter for context and patient-facing explanations. Illinois Department of Public Health+2Illinois Department of Public Health+2
The IDPH also affirms the continued use of routine, non-seasonal immunization schedules and recommends that healthcare providers continue to follow the child and adult immunization schedules as updated by the CDC on August 7, 2025.
AAFP Immunization Schedules: Age- and condition-based schedules, catch-up schedules, notes, and appendices. (AAFP notes its own adopted schedules and indicates CDC’s 2025 schedules are not AAFP-endorsed.)
AAFP Immunizations and Vaccines hub for members with schedules, tools, and more.
MMRV updated information as of September 19, 2025
ACIP recommends separate MMR and varicella vaccines due to a small increased risk of febrile seizures with MMRV.
AAFP supports the MMRV vaccine remaining an option for children aged 12-47 months if a parent or caregiver prefers, after consulting with their physician.
Operationalize the Standing Order (COVID-19): Allow pharmacists/nurses in eligible settings to vaccinate according to the IDPH standing order; update protocol binders and EHR order sets accordingly. Illinois Department of Public Health+1
Stocking & Supply: Confirm flu, COVID-19, and RSV inventory; add age/indication flags (e.g., pregnancy weeks 32–36 for maternal RSV; high-risk adults 50–74; all adults ≥75). Illinois Department of Public Health
Scheduling & Outreach: Proactively message panels (portal/text) about fall vaccines and eligibility, prioritizing pregnant patients (RSV window), infants entering their first RSV season, high-risk adults, and adults due for flu/COVID-19 vaccinations. Illinois Department of Public Health
Team & Patient Communication: Share the IDPH Director’s letter with staff; adapt excerpts for patient FAQs on your website/portal. Illinois Department of Public Health
I-CARE: Please remember to consistently register all immunization data in I-CARE to ensure accurate reporting, continuity of care, and compliance with state requirements.
“This fall, Illinois recommends vaccines to protect against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued clear, science-based guidance and a statewide standing order so eligible providers—including many pharmacies—can vaccinate without a separate prescription. If you’re pregnant (weeks 32–36), a parent of an infant, or an adult—especially if you’re older or have health risks—talk with us about the vaccines that fit you best.” Illinois Department of Public Health+1
Executive Order 2025-04 – ENHANCING ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING VACCINES (September 12, 2025). Illinois.gov
IDPH Issues Fall Vaccine Guidance and COVID-19 Standing Order to Ensure Access for Illinoisans (Recent News, September 23, 2025). Illinois Department of Public Health
Fall Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Illinois Department of Public Health
Director Vohra on IDPH Fall Vaccine Guidance (September 23, 2025). Illinois Department of Public Health
Immunization Schedules (2025) — Adopted by the AAFP. AAFP
This summarizes Illinois guidance as of September 23, 2025. Always check IDPH/AAFP links for updates.
