Gov. Pritzker Signs Landmark Bill to Protect and Expand Vaccine Access for Illinoisans

HB 767 codifies access to life-saving immunizations as the federal government abandons science

CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined state officials, bill sponsors, and public health experts to sign HB 767. The legislation expands and codifies Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order 2025-04, which empowers the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer transparent, science-based vaccine guidelines through its expert Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC), while also expanding vaccine access.

“While RFK Jr. and his QAnon-inspired colleagues spread conspiracy theories and dangerous misinformation about vaccines, Illinois is stepping up to protect the health of our people,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “It is vitally important that Illinois families can get trusted advice about vaccines, guided by experts and established research. 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.”

Governor Pritzker’s signature on HB 767 ensures Illinoisans will receive clear, science-based immunization guidelines as federal recommendations grow more contradictory and confusing. While the federal government abandons its critical role in public health leadership, the Pritzker Administration is stepping up to protect the health and well-being of all Illinoisans.

“Our priority is making sure vaccines are accessible and affordable for all Illinoisans,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “The facts have not changed — vaccines are safe, effective, and essential to public health. Illinois will continue to rely on expert recommendations and make decisions that protect the health and well-being of our residents.”

For decades, state health officials and practitioners could rely on science-based vaccine recommendations and schedules from the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) board. Additionally, recommendations from the ACIP are required to be covered by insurance providers. However, the Trump Administration has essentially dismantled the ACIP, firing members and appointing vaccine sceptics whose beliefs are not backed by science. These actions have led to the erosion of trust, caused confusion regarding vaccine guidelines, and threatened access to life-saving vaccines.

• Create and Publish Vaccine Guidelines for Illinoisans: IDPH will create and publish vaccine guidelines for Illinoisans based on experts from the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC). Previously, Illinois and other states relied on the federal government through ACIP for this resource.
• Codifies the Structure of the IAC, including Checks and Balances: The bill specifies the membership and functions of the IAC and out of a commitment to ensuring all recommendations are rooted in science, provides a mechanism for the committee to override Director recommendations.
• Require Insurance Companies to Cover Vaccines Recommended by IDPH: State-regulated health insurance issuers are required to cover vaccines and related administration based on IDPH recommendations, even if they extend beyond ACIP schedules.
• Expand Youth Vaccine Access in Pharmacies: Reduce the minimum age from 7 to 3 for pharmacist administration of certain vaccines — making them more accessible.

This bill is aligned with the newly launched Illinois Vaccine Access Program (IVAP). Overseen by IDPH, this state-funded initiative supports local health departments with the option to directly order certain vaccines at no cost for Illinoisans who may otherwise lack access. IVAP’s 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative is focused on reducing barriers to immunization for several key populations, including young children.

“Today is more than a bill signing. It’s a reaffirmation of Illinois’s commitment to science, trust, and improving the health of every family in our state,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “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.”

“As Chair of the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee, I see current federal leadership not only putting up barriers to vaccination but limiting access to life-saving vaccines. By signing HB 767, Governor Pritzker is putting the health of Illinoisans above politics, allowing the Illinois Department of Public Health to publish vaccine recommendations aligned with science in the midst of a chaotic national landscape,” said IAC Chair Dr. Marielle Fricchione. “As a pediatrician, mother, and infectious diseases specialist, I am so grateful to live in Illinois because I need vaccines to keep my patients and my own children healthy enough to play, learn and grow.”

“Access to life-saving vaccinations is critical for the health and well-being of Illinoisans,” said Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) Director Ann Gillespie. “Today, we're continuing that access by requiring that insurance coverage for vaccines persists under the science-first guidance of the IDPH, no matter what happens at the federal level.”

“At a time when the Trump Administration’s top priority is to dismantle and sow uncertainty in our healthcare system, the General Assembly has taken decisive action to protect patients,” said State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield). “Illinois is leading the nation in protecting public health and upholding science-based care for all residents. These attacks on public trust have no place in our state. With this new authority for the Department of Public Health, Illinois is choosing to stand with decades of sound science, not RFK’s latest conspiracy theory.”

“Families deserve straightforward, evidence-based information when making health decisions for their children,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law makes sure medical experts are directing immunization policy while strengthening protections around who can administer vaccines to young children.”

“This needed measure strengthens our state’s science-driven approach to vaccines and healthcare access,” said State Representative Marti Deuter (D-Elmhurst). “With so much upheaval and uncertainty on the federal level, today we are making sure Illinois families are protected.”

“Debunked junk science and medical disinformation threaten the health of our communities and our families, especially when those lies are being peddled by the very people whose job it is to safeguard the integrity of public facing medical information,” said State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl (D-Northbrook). “In Illinois, we're taking action in the wake of the commandeering of our national health agencies by Trump and RFK Jr. Illinois will not continue business as usual while its citizens are harmed by lies and baseless propaganda.”

In addition to expanding and protecting access to vaccines, HB767 also amends the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (PDAA) to operationalize the PDAA grant program — specifying that grant funds will be equally disbursed to eligible pharmacies each fiscal year.

Vaccine and PDAA language in HB 767 will be effective immediately, while additional changes to the Insurance Code are effective January 1, 2026.