Springfield, IL – Illinois is maintaining strong childhood vaccination rates across schools, with nearly all required immunizations meeting or exceeding public health targets for the 2025–2026 school year.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the latest School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard shows that 10 of 11 tracked vaccines are at or above the 95% threshold considered critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
State officials say the data reflects consistent progress, with immunization rates slightly increasing for most vaccines compared to the previous school year. The only exception was the hepatitis B vaccine, which saw a minimal decline of just 0.03%.
The dashboard compiles data from more than 4,600 schools statewide, collected through the Illinois State Board of Education. Health leaders say the strong numbers highlight coordinated efforts among schools, healthcare providers, and families to maintain high levels of protection against preventable illnesses.
Measles vaccination coverage remains particularly high at 96.78%, helping keep case counts low in Illinois even as national numbers rise. Meanwhile, the meningococcal vaccine—used to prevent meningitis—was the only immunization below the 95% target, though it improved to 94.39% this year.
Despite strong statewide averages, officials noted that some counties and individual schools still fall below recommended levels, leaving certain communities more vulnerable to outbreaks.
State leaders credit expanded vaccine access, updated immunization guidance, and outreach efforts—including mobile clinics and pharmacy access—for maintaining high coverage rates.
Health officials continue to encourage families to stay up to date on vaccinations to protect both individuals and communities.
