The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced this week that it is not going to follow new federal child vaccine guidelines and will continue following recommendations from a leading pediatric group.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, August 10th that advises states to follow the "Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations" and update their laws to reflect it. However, states, not the federal government, have the authority to require vaccinations for schoolchildren.
Instead, Illinois will continue following the guidelines outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which the state Immunization Advisory Committee unanimously adopted in February of 2026. Lawrence County parents are advised to speak with their family physician or medical provider if they have any questions regarding their child's vaccination status.
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