CHICAGO (AP) – A new Illinois law lowers the age at which children can get vaccinated by pharmacists.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill Tuesday in Chicago that says children age 10 and older can get flu shots and vaccinations like tetanus shots from pharmacists. Previously, the age limit was 14.

The children must have a prescription from a doctor.

The law is effectively immediately. Quinn says it improves access to healthcare for children and the timing was crucial. Children are getting ready to head back to school, and there’s been spike in whooping cough cases.

State health officials say there were approximately 1,500 of whooping cough cases reported last year. This year, there have already been more than 1,300 cases in Illinois.

The bill is SB3513.
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