Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is concerned that lawmakers may consider supporting a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students when they return to session this fall. Responding to remarks made by Governor JB Pritzker, Caulkins said this:
“The decision to vaccinate children for COVID-19 should be a decision made by parents, not the government,” said Rep. Caulkins. “Politicians should not be the ones mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for our youth. I trust our parents to make this healthcare decision, not politicians.”
A vaccine mandate for school children is up for consideration following the recent announcement by the CDC recommending the COVID-19 vaccine be included on the immunization schedule for youth vaccines next year.
The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to return for its annual fall veto session on Tuesday, November 15. If the legislature chooses to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for school children for the 2023-2024 school year, lawmakers may consider a vaccine mandate as early as this November.