For over 25 years, EverThrive Illinois has worked to increase vaccine confidence in Illinois communities through coalition building, policy change, and vaccine promotion and outreach. We know that vaccines are among the most effective public health tools available to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, reduce healthcare costs, and save lives. For these reasons, we are deeply concerned by recent decisions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which directly contradict scientific consensus.
Every day, our staff hear from our community partners that people want clear, accurate, science-based information—not politics—to guide their health care choices. We applaud Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health for committing to evidence-based decision-making and taking steps to ensure vaccines remain available and accessible in Illinois. We urge the State and the Immunization Advisory Committee to do everything within their power to ensure that all people who want and need vaccines can get them.