By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois health officials recommend all adults get the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, defying recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, prompting reaction from an Illinois lawmaker and practicing physician.

The CDC currently recommends COVID-19 vaccination primarily for adults 65 and older, with younger people eligible only after discussing risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.

The Illinois Department of Public Health released the state’s fall guidance following a vote by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee, which includes 20 experts in fields ranging from pediatrics to infectious diseases.

Earlier this month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered the state to issue its own recommendations via executive order.

“At a time when the federal government is abdicating its responsibility to provide clear, science-informed guidance, Illinois is stepping up,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Illinois will continue to empower providers and families across our state with the information and access they need to guard against illness and disease.”

State Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, said he does not oppose the state making recommendations, but cautioned against mandates.

“I would be very opposed to them mandating anything once again. If they’re not mandating anything, I don’t really even care what they say,” he explained.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement all Illinois residents “deserve credible, transparent, science-based vaccine guidance.”

Vohra added that the department’s recommendations, made “in consultation with the Immunization Advisory Committee,” will help ensure that residents “can protect themselves and their family members this upcoming respiratory season.”

IDPH’s standing order lets Illinois healthcare providers and pharmacies give COVID-19 vaccines following state guidelines, and requires most insurance plans, including federal, Affordable Care Act, and state-regulated plans, to cover the shots.

Hauter was critical of IDPH.

“They don’t have a lot of credibility, even with me and other medical professionals after they screwed up COVID so badly and they destroyed our credibility with a lot of our patients,” said Hauter.

Hauter was asked if the mixed messaging from state and federal authorities confuses health professionals.

“Most pediatricians will probably follow the American Association of Pediatricians or one of those other well-known guidelines that are just medically based and not based on the recommendations of the CDC or the state public health department,” he said.

Hauter said it will be “interesting” to see how school vaccination requirements play out under the new state and federal guidance.

“Normally students must submit their vaccination records to schools, and now it will be interesting to see whether schools follow state guidelines, federal guidance, or pediatrician recommendations,” said Hauter.

Hauter said public opinion on the COVID vaccine is particularly negative. He noted that while flu shots are still required at his workplace, COVID vaccination is no longer mandatory, and enforcing it could spark a revolt.