SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A new executive order from Governor JB Pritzker aims to protect access to vaccines amidst what the governor referred to as “the context of volatile and concerning actions” by the federal government.

Executive Order 2025-04, signed on Friday, established the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative. Led by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the SVAI is a partnership between multiple state agencies that ensures Illinoisans can get vaccines during the fall respiratory virus season.

“This is about making sure no family in Illinois is left wondering if they can protect themselves against preventable serious illness,” Governor JB Pritzker said in a news release. “When the federal government abandons its responsibility, Illinois will step up. We will follow the science, listen to medical experts, and do everything in our power to enable families to receive the care they need.”

The executive order directs IDPH Director Sameer Vohra to issue a standing order to allow eligible providers in pharmacy and other appropriate clinical settings to administer vaccines recommended by the IDPH. It also calls for the IDPH and its partners to publish plain-language guidance, continue to support school-based vaccination efforts, and work with local health departments, community health centers, disability organizations and rural providers to reach families statewide.

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and essential to saving lives,” Vohra said. “With confusing and conflicting guidelines from the federal government, the Executive Order ensures Illinois residents have the credible, transparent, and science-based guidance they need to make vaccine decisions for themselves and their family. We will work with every partner — from pharmacies to schools to rural clinics — to ensure access to critical vaccines to keep our Illinois residents and their families protected.”

The IDPH recommends that all Illinoisans, especially those 65 years or older, who have chronic medical conditions or are immunocompromised, to speak with their health care providers about receiving the fall respiratory vaccines.