IL HR0291

Urges implementation of interventions to increase childhood vaccine uptake and reduce disparities in coverage across income levels, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and rural/urban areas

Notes that vaccine coverage among children aged 24 months born in 2020-2021 is lower than those born in 2018-2019, and Illinois school-required immunization coverage declined for the 2023/2024 school year

Religious exemptions for school immunizations in Illinois increased from 12,667 in 2022/2023 to 15,339 in 2023/2024, the highest number in over 10 years

Calls on the Illinois Department of Health, State Board of Education, and Department of Healthcare and Family Services to work with pediatricians, clinicians, and families to ensure children are vaccinated on time

Urges continued investment in immunization initiatives and reporting infrastructure to protect children in schools, child care facilities, and pre-kindergarten programs from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, pertussis, varicella, and rotavirus