Governor JB Pritzker has announced that the Arbitrator in the State’s Vaccine Mandate Interest Arbitration has determined the state can and should require vaccinations for Illinois Department of Correction guards and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice staff.
The ruling impacts approximately 10,000 employees working in 46 Department of Corrections and Juvenile Justice facilities.
Pritzker says the mandate will protect state employees and people in the state’s care or custody from the threat of COVID-19.
Employees subject to the decision will be required to get their first shot by January 31st unless they are approved for a religious or medical exemption.
The Governor says he looks forward to continued discussions with their labor partners as the state moves forward with the task of keeping employees and residents of the state’s congregate facilities safe.
Pritzker says vaccination is the key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. All Illinois residents over the age of 5 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and proof of immigration status is not required to receive the vaccine.
