Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

“Illinois is facing a significant winter surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses with flu activity at very high levels,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Vaccinations remain the most effective tool to prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. "

The new law will allow the state to publish guidelines that differ from the CDC

Two dozen bills passed during the recently ended fall veto session

Powassan is a virus that can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick.

Recommendation comes after federal government limits vaccine availability

IDPH said these actions are necessary because the federal government is no longer following its rigorous scientific review processes for vaccine-related decisions.

More than 800 cases have been confirmed in 25 jurisdictions around the U.S.

Nearly $2B in federal funds is not being sent to Illinois, according to Pritzker’s office

There has been an increase in hospital admissions and emergency room visits.