Henry & Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare Offer Fall Respiratory Virus Immunization Guidance

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
September 18, 2026

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare note that many have questions this time of year as we look ahead to preventing sickness during the upcoming infectious season.  Therefore, we offer fall respiratory virus immunization guidance released recently from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).  

     The fall immunization guidance was adopted by IDPH based on recommendations made by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC), a group of 20 highly qualified experts spanning infectious diseases, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. IDPH is committed to providing Illinois residents with reliable, science-based guidance they can use to make informed decisions for the health of themselves and their loved ones. These recommendations will allow Illinoisans to make informed decisions about what immunizations they need to keep themselves safe not only during respiratory virus season, but year-round.                                                                  

  IDPH recommends the following immunization guidance for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season:    

     FLU VACCINATION is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.  

     RSV IMMUNIZATION is recommended for:  

  • All pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy if not previously vaccinated. The maternal vaccination season has been extended and should go from September through March 1st.

  • All infants under the age of 8 months without maternal RSV vaccine protection entering their first RSV season.

  • Children ages 8 months through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.

  • Adults ages 50 years through 74 years at increased risk of severe RSV disease if not previously vaccinated.

  • All adults ages 75 years and older if not previously vaccinated. 

     COVID-19 VACCINATION is recommended for:  

  • All children ages 6 months through 23 months.

  • Children ages 2 years through 18 years in certain risk groups, or if desired.

  • All pregnant people and those who are planning pregnancy, those who are postpartum (after pregnancy), or during lactation.

  • All adults 19 years and older.