Illinois' Vaccine Bill: A Dangerous Disregard for Truth and Freedom

By Shannon Adcock, Awake IL Founder

December 3, 2025

In a move that underscores a troubling trend of overreach and denial, Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed HB767 into law, establishing a state-based vaccine-recommending body in Illinois. This legislation, ostensibly aimed at protecting public health, instead represents a blatant disregard for the complexities of vaccine science, the rights of parents, and the growing body of evidence concerning vaccine injuries and ineffectiveness. As we navigate this critical issue, it’s imperative to scrutinize the implications of this bill and the governor’s failure to acknowledge these vital concerns.

If you try to come for religious exception, you'll have to come through us. And we have friends. -@Awake_IL X Post, 12/3/25

A Political Maneuver, Not a Public Health Solution

HB767 comes at a time when the nation is deeply divided over vaccine policies, exacerbated by the Trump administration's controversial decisions, such as considering the removal of Hepatitis B vaccine recommendations for children. While the bill positions itself as a counter to federal "junk science," it is, in reality, a political maneuver to assert state control over health directives. By diverging from federal guidelines, Illinois is not only fragmenting our national public health strategy but also imposing a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the nuanced realities of vaccine science.

SEE Illinois Family Institute post discussing how Illinois did this same manuevering with the Trump's FDA abortion pill revamp. Illinois Democrats decided to decouple from the FDA and follow the WHO for abortion drug policies in the state.https://illinoisfamily.org/politics/illinois-dangerous-dance-with-whos-global-abortion-agenda/

Undermining Parental Rights and Religious Freedoms

One of the most alarming aspects of this legislation is its potential impact on parental rights, particularly concerning religious exemptions. We at Awake Illinois and our friends at Illinois Family Institute, Moms for Liberty, Liberty Counsel, and others have rightly raised alarms on government overreach. Our organization holds concerns that this bill could encroach upon the fundamental right to make decisions based on deeply held beliefs. The governor’s office has dismissed these concerns, but we assert the involvement of grassroots organizations could signal a broader resistance to what many see as an overreach by the state. By establishing a state-based vaccine-recommending body, Pritzker is essentially sidelining the voices of parents and communities who question the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

Ignoring Vaccine Injuries and Ineffectiveness

Perhaps most disturbingly, Governor Pritzker’s stance on this bill reveals a profound lack of awareness—or willful ignorance—regarding vaccine injuries and their ineffectiveness in certain cases. Despite mounting evidence and personal testimonies from countless individuals who have suffered adverse effects, the governor and his administration have chosen to double down on a narrative that vaccines are universally safe and effective. This denial is not just misleading; it’s dangerous. It will likely target the poor and vulnerable in our state who lack access to information and advocacy.

Consider the following:

• Vaccine Injuries: Reports of adverse reactions, ranging from mild to severe, have been documented extensively. Yet, Pritzker’s legislation does not account for these realities, nor does it provide mechanisms for addressing the needs of those harmed by vaccines.

  
  

• Ineffectiveness: The effectiveness of vaccines varies significantly depending on numerous factors, including individual health conditions and the specific vaccine in question. The governor’s blanket endorsement fails to recognize these variations, potentially endangering those for whom vaccines may not provide the intended protection.

  
  

By ignoring these critical issues, Pritzker is not only undermining trust in public health initiatives but also risking the well-being of Illinois residents who may be adversely affected by these policies.

A Fragmented Approach to Public Health

The establishment of a state-based vaccine-recommending body is a direct response to the Trump administration’s actions, such as altering CDC website language and internal reviews suggesting adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccines. While these federal moves have been met with skepticism, Pritzker’s counteraction does not solve the problem; it exacerbates it. Instead of fostering a cohesive national strategy, this bill contributes to a patchwork of state-specific guidelines that could confuse the public and hinder effective responses to health crises.

The Role of Science and Expertise

Proponents of HB767 argue that it prioritizes science-based guidelines, but this claim rings hollow when the science itself is contested. The governor’s dismissal of figures like RFK Jr., who has raised legitimate questions about vaccine safety, further illustrates a refusal to engage in a balanced dialogue. Science is not a monolith; it evolves, and acknowledging dissenting voices is crucial for a robust public health policy.

Pritzker’s approach, however, is one of censorship and control, not collaboration and inquiry.

Potential Funding Challenges and Considerations

The divergence from federal guidelines could lead to uncertainties in funding, especially if federal support for specific vaccines is withdrawn. Illinois would need to rely more heavily on state revenues and possibly seek additional legislative appropriations which would mean:

TAX INCREASES?!

The ongoing debate over vaccine mandates and exemptions might also influence public and private funding, as resistance could affect the willingness of insurance companies and other stakeholders to cover vaccine costs.

Conclusion: Remain Vigilant

The signing of HB767 is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked governmental power and the importance of individual freedoms. Governor Pritzker’s failure to acknowledge the realities of vaccine injuries and ineffectiveness is not just a oversight; it’s a betrayal of the trust placed in him by Illinois residents.

As we move forward, it is imperative that we demand transparency, accountability, and a willingness to listen to all voices, especially those who have been harmed or who question the status quo.

Illinois deserves better than a governor who prioritizes political agendas over the health and rights of its citizens. It’s time to stand up for truth, for freedom, and for a public health policy that truly serves the people, not just the interests of those in power.

Make a plan to vote in 2026.