Illinois Public Health Association Responds to Federal Changes to the Childhood Immunization Schedule
Illinois Public Health Association Responds to Federal Changes to the Childhood Immunization Schedule
Springfield, IL – The Illinois Public Health Association is responding to federal actions taken regarding changes to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule by reaffirming its commitment to science-based public health guidance and providing clarity for Illinois families, healthcare providers, and communities. On January 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced changes to how childhood vaccines are recommended at the federal level. The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed that these federal changes will have no bearing on Illinois’ childhood immunization recommendations. IPHA wants Illinois families to know that the science behind childhood vaccination has not changed.
Vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious, preventable diseases. Parents should continue to rely on their healthcare providers and trusted medical guidance when making decisions about immunizations.
The revised federal schedule reduces the number of vaccines recommended for universal use and shifts others to risk-based or shared clinical decision-making categories. These changes are not based on new scientific evidence and represent a departure from the expert-driven process that has guided immunization policy in the United States for decades.
“Moments like this can create uncertainty for families, and our role is to help bring clarity,” said Tom Hughes, Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Association. “The science behind childhood vaccines is strong and it has not changed. Vaccines continue to protect children from serious diseases, and parents should feel confident listening to their pediatricians and other trusted healthcare providers.”
“Immunization recommendations in the United States were developed to reflect our population, our disease risks, and how our healthcare system works,” Hughes continued. “While federal policies may shift, the underlying evidence has not. Fortunately, at this time, families should still be able to access the recommended childhood vaccines, and leading medical organizations continue to support routine immunization based on decades of research.”
IPHA encourages parents to follow immunization schedules developed by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, which remain grounded in rigorous scientific evidence.
The Illinois Public Health Association will continue to serve as a trusted resource for families, healthcare providers, and policymakers by promoting evidence-based public health practices. IPHA calls on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to uphold its longstanding mission of advancing sound science that protects the health of all Americans.
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Background and Related Information
- White House Presidential Memorandum (December 2025): Aligning United States Core Childhood Vaccine Recommendations with Best Practices from Peer, Developed Countries
- HHS Press Release: CDC Acts on Presidential Memorandum to Update Childhood Immunization Schedule
- HHS Fact Sheet: CDC Childhood Immunization Recommendations
If you are interested in covering this issue or learning more, IPHA team members and local public health leaders are available for interviews and background. We also welcome opportunities to support your reporting on future public health topics relevant to Illinois communities.
About the Illinois Public Health Association: Established in 1940, IPHA, an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, is Illinois’ oldest and largest statewide voluntary organization dedicated exclusively to public health. The Association works to strengthen and support health across Illinois communities by mobilizing partners and advancing health equity.
Contact: Meredith Krantz, IPHA Public Information Consultant, meredith@krantzstrategies.com, (630) 947-2385 should you have any questions.