Lawmaker responds to IL’s push for adult COVID shots against CDC
guidance
[September 27, 2025]
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – Illinois health officials recommend all adults get
the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, defying recent U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention guidance, prompting reaction from an Illinois
lawmaker and practicing physician.
The CDC currently recommends COVID-19 vaccination primarily for adults
65 and older, with younger people eligible only after discussing risks
and benefits with a healthcare provider.
The Illinois Department of Public Health released the state’s fall
guidance following a vote by the Illinois Immunization Advisory
Committee, which includes 20 experts in fields ranging from pediatrics
to infectious diseases.
Earlier this month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered the state to issue its
own recommendations via executive order.
“At a time when the federal government is abdicating its responsibility
to provide clear, science-informed guidance, Illinois is stepping up,”
Pritzker said in a statement. “Illinois will continue to empower
providers and families across our state with the information and access
they need to guard against illness and disease.”
State Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, said he does not oppose the state
making recommendations, but cautioned against mandates.
“I would be very opposed to them mandating anything once again. If
they're not mandating anything, I don't really even care what they say,”
he explained.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement all Illinois
residents “deserve credible, transparent, science-based vaccine
guidance.”
Vohra added that the department’s recommendations, made “in consultation
with the Immunization Advisory Committee,” will help ensure that
residents “can protect themselves and their family members this upcoming
respiratory season.”
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IDPH’s standing order lets Illinois healthcare providers and
pharmacies give COVID-19 vaccines following state guidelines, and
requires most insurance plans, including federal, Affordable Care
Act, and state-regulated plans, to cover the shots.
Hauter was critical of IDPH.
“They don't have a lot of credibility, even with me and other
medical professionals after they screwed up COVID so badly and they
destroyed our credibility with a lot of our patients,” said Hauter.
Hauter was asked if the mixed messaging from state and federal
authorities confuses health professionals.
“Most pediatricians will probably follow the American Association of
Pediatricians or one of those other well-known guidelines that are
just medically based and not based on the recommendations of the CDC
or the state public health department,” he said.
Hauter said it will be “interesting” to see how school vaccination
requirements play out under the new state and federal guidance.
“Normally students must submit their vaccination records to schools,
and now it will be interesting to see whether schools follow state
guidelines, federal guidance, or pediatrician recommendations,” said
Hauter.
Hauter said public opinion on the COVID vaccine is particularly
negative. He noted that while flu shots are still required at his
workplace, COVID vaccination is no longer mandatory, and enforcing
it could spark a revolt.
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