Illinois Health Director Pushes COVID-19 Vaccinations for Adults and Children

Illinois' public health director is making is very clear that the state wants as many people as possible to get protected against COVID-19 this fall.

Only one day after the Illinois Department of Public Health shared new guidelines, some Illinois residents started running into issues trying to get the vaccine shot.

Illinois Health Director Pushes COVID-19 Vaccinations for Adults and Children

A few residents came forward to explain they had pushback trying to get the COVID vaccine with their family at Walgreens.  She said they were told by the pharmacy tech that is was up to the pharmacist's discretion to give the vaccine, and people under 65 could be turned away.

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Part of the issue now?  Pharmacies are struggling to keep up with shifting guidance from both state and federal health officials.  Despite the past years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services didn't issue a "formal" recommendations for this fall 2025, leaving vaccination decisions up to personal choice—hence why Illinois created its own guidelines.

Illinois state leaders are now urging the COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to 23 months old, adults 18+, and anyone considered high-risk.  This is supposed to simplify the process but also eliminates the need for people to "prove" they fall into a specific risk category.

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Walgreens did confirm that they updated their policy to align with Illinois' recommendations, plus the COVID vaccine is again available at their pharmacies.  The hope is that this clears up any confusion and gets more Illinois residents protected as we head into cold and flu season.