By Illinois Review
On June 18, 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H. endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice’ (ACIP) recommendation that children six months to five years of age should receive the COVID-19 vaccination, saying,
“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can. I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.”
In late October, just weeks before the November election, IL Gov. JB Pritzker, D, responded to a reporter’s question about the CDC’s latest ACIP recommendation, recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for school-aged children, saying,
“The CDC has made a recommendation, that’s true, but this is a process that we need to consider. All across the state we have representatives that want to be heard on this subject, I think it’s appropriate. I think we should follow the scientists and doctors, that’s what I’ve been doing all along. Make sure we’re doing the right thing here.”
Pritzker went on to say that,
“We’re not currently requiring that [COVID-19 vaccine], that’s something that goes through the General Assembly – all of the vaccination requirements are heard by the General Assembly; decided upon by the General Assembly. It’s obviously something we’re listening to doctors about and making sure we’re making the right decisions.”
But the discussion about mandating a vaccine doesn’t go through the General Assembly – it’s a decision made by Illinois Department of Public Health Director (IDPH) and Pritzker-appointee Sameer Vohra, who as former IL Attorney General candidate Tom DeVore, R, pointed out, could simply propose a new rule and have the COVID-19 vaccine added to the list of required vaccinations.
But on Thursday during the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee meeting, which included time for public comments, it was decided that there wouldn’t be a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for school-aged children. As IDPH Director Vohra stated,
“I want to assert here and things that the governor has shared as well is that there are no plans to update the vaccine requirement for school-aged children.”
A victory for all freedom-loving patriots.
Illinois Review will continue to follow any new developments.
