CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 08/13/2026

Jump Ahead

• CDPH Vaccine Recommendations
• Free Healthcare Clinic This Month
• Back to School Immunizations

CDPH Vaccine Recommendations

Earlier this week, an executive order was signed calling for changes to childhood vaccination recommendations. CDPH would like to share the following evidence-based reassurances and offer our continued professional guidance:

This presidential executive order on childhood vaccine recommendations has no impact on the endorsed vaccination recommendations of CDPH, nor the vaccines provided by CDPH. CDPH continues to endorse evidence-based childhood immunization schedules by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Illinois Department of Public Health. Vaccine recommendations are based on when a child is at risk for a vaccine-preventable disease and when they can safely and effectively receive a specific vaccine.

The current evidence-based childhood immunization schedule CDPH continues to endorse protects children against 18 preventable diseases including RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, COVID-19, and meningococcal disease.

Learn more about CDPH's vaccination guidance and where to get vaccinated at chicago.gov/vpd.

Free Healthcare Clinic This Month

The Chicago Department of Public Health recognizes August as Free and Charitable Clinics Month, highlighting the important role these clinics play in helping Chicagoans access essential health care.

Free and charitable clinics provide medical, dental and pharmaceutical services at no cost or for a nominal fee to individuals who are uninsured or have limited financial resources. While services vary by clinic, most offer primary and preventive care, as well as care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD and depression.

CDPH encourages Chicagoans who may need affordable health care to explore free and charitable clinic options in their communities. To find a clinic near you, visit the Illinois Free and Charitable Clinics directory.

Back to School Immunizations Available Now

The first day of school is right around the corner, and CDPH wants to remind parents across Chicago to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccinations! CDPH's Immunization Clinics provide school-required vaccines at no cost to children through age 18, as well as seasonal vaccines such as flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. All school-related vaccines are freely available to those who need them, including MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), varicella (chickenpox), and more.

We will also be hosting seasonal vaccination events throughout the fall across Chicago, including a clinic at every City College and several clinics open to the public at City Hall. For more information on our clinics and a schedule of upcoming vaccination events, visit the CDPH website.

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