Illinois Health Department Urges All Adults to Receive Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is now recommending that all adults in the state receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine, aligning with recent federal guidance. The advice aims to protect residents against currently circulating variants and prevent severe illness as the virus continues to evolve.
This guidance comes as health officials prepare for the fall and winter seasons, when respiratory viruses typically surge. The IDPH is ensuring widespread access to the vaccines through a network of providers and pharmacies operating within state guidelines. Insurance coverage for the updated COVID-19 vaccines is mandated for federal, Affordable Care Act, and state-regulated plans. Major insurance companies, members of America’s Health Insurance Plans, have committed to continuing this coverage.
Beyond COVID-19, the IDPH is also emphasizing the importance of staying current with other vaccinations. The agency is advising residents to follow prior CDC recommendations for the measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (MMRV) vaccine, despite a recent CDC advisory panel recommendation against the combination vaccine for children under 4. IDPH also recommends annual flu shots for all individuals and RSV vaccines for adults aged 74 and older, those at high risk of severe illness over 50, pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks, and high-risk infants aged 8-19 months.
