Illinois School Vaccination Rates Remain Strong, Surpassing 95% Benchmark Statewide (Springfield, IL) – Illinois is continuing to lead in childhood immunization coverage, with nearly all required school vaccines meeting or exceeding the 95% threshold considered critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, according to newly released state data.
The updated School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard, compiled annually by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) using data submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), shows that immunization rates for the 2025–26 school year remain strong across the state. Of the 11 required childhood vaccines tracked, 10 saw slight increases compared to last year, while hepatitis B dipped marginally by just 0.03%.
State officials say the results reflect ongoing efforts to expand vaccine access and provide consistent, science-based guidance to families.
“Our latest school immunization numbers validate our efforts to make vaccines more accessible,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “I’m grateful to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the State Board of Education, school administrators, healthcare professionals, and families for their efforts to keep our state’s youngest residents healthy, informed, and immunized.”
Public health leaders emphasized that maintaining high vaccination rates is key to preventing outbreaks of diseases such as measles and protecting vulnerable populations who may not be able to receive vaccines.
“Across Illinois, families, schools, and public health partners are working together to keep children protected from preventable illnesses,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The updated dashboard shows that school vaccination rates remain strong, with nearly all immunizations meeting the state’s 95% coverage goal.”
Education officials also highlighted the role of schools in maintaining public health and minimizing disruptions to learning.
“Schools play a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of our students,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “The strong immunization rates reflected in this dashboard are the result of the dedication of school nurses, administrators, and families working together.”
The dashboard includes data from more than 4,600 schools statewide, covering students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. While statewide figures remain high, officials noted that some counties and individual schools fall below the 95% benchmark, creating localized vulnerabilities to outbreaks.
Health experts stress that the 95% threshold is widely recognized as the level needed to achieve herd immunity, limiting the spread of infectious diseases and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions.
State leaders say they will continue focusing on outreach and access in underperforming areas to ensure consistent protection across all communities.
Illinois School Vaccination Rates Remain Strong, Surpassing 95% Benchmark Statewide
