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Immunization
Immunizations, also known as vaccines are one of our greatest defenses against many serious illnesses. The Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Immunization Section conducts programs and initiatives designed to make sure each child in your family has up-to-date immunizations.
Keep yourself and your family protected - get immunized!
Who should be immunized? Everyone!
Review the CDC vaccination schedules for infants and children, preteens and teens, and adults found under Resources.
Illinois state law requires certain immunizations for children and adults enrolled in child care, school, or college. State law also mandates immunizations for adults in specific fields of work (healthcare).
What diseases do vaccines prevent?
Immunizations protect children against the following:
Back to School Immunization Requirements
Beginning fall of 2014, all students entering, transferring, or advancing into kindergarten through 12th grades will be required to show proof of receipt of 2 doses of mumps and 2 doses of rubella vaccine. In addition, students entering, transferring, or advancing into kindergarten, 6th, or 9th grades are required to show proof of receipt of 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Most students likely have already received the vaccine and simply need to provide the school with verifying documentation from their healthcare provider. To learn more, see Fall 2024 School Immunization Requirements.
Information for Health Care Providers
Please refer to the Resources, Forms, and Publications sections for important information that ensures that the immunization needs of patients throughout the State of Illinois are met. Such information includes immunization schedules and immunization health education material request forms.
For recommendations for handling and storage of selected biologicals, see Vaccine Management.
For child entry to licensed daycare facility or school, see Child Health Examination Form.
For more information or a list of printed promotional material from the state, please contact the Immunization Section.
Resources
- Vaccine Finder
- Immunization for Infants and Children
- Immunization for Infants and Children (Spanish)
- Immunization for Preteens and Teens
- Immunization for Adults
- Childhood Vaccine Assessment Tool
- Ages 0-18 Immunization Schedule
- Vaccine Info Statements
- Vaccines.gov
- Community Options for Safe Needle Disposal
- Safe Options for Home Needle Disposal
- Guide to Contraindications to Vaccination
- Measles Coverage and Protection Levels for School Age Children
Forms
Laws & Rules
- Public Act 099-0249 - Religious Exemption Amendment to School Code
- K-12 Immunization Requirements
- College Immunization Requirements
- Mercury-Free Vaccine Act
- Mercury-Free Vaccine Act Exemption Declaration (2024)
- Healthcare Employee Vaccination Code
- Illinois Guidelines for Needle Disposal
- VFC Program Manual for Illinois VFC Providers