You may never have to get a vaccine for your child again.
Governor DeSantis and state surgeon general Dr Joseph Ladapo are announcing plans to eliminate all vaccine requirements in the state of Florida. Ladapo says he'll start with a half-dozen vaccines covered by state administrative rules.
"In Florida, you have the right to be free. You have the right to make your own decisions. You can participate in society without having these unscientific dictates imposed upon you, " said Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis is also announcing a Florida MAHA (ma-ha) Commission, to implement the recommendations coming from the federal government and H-H-S Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior.
Florida Democrats weighing in:
Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman:
“This is ridiculous. Florida already has broad medical and religious exemptions for childhood vaccines, so any family that has a sincere opposition to vaccination can opt-out. Removing the mandate wholesale is dangerous, anti-science, and anti-child. Nobody wants to go back to the days of iron lungs.
“Republicans have gone from entertaining anti-science conspiracy theories to fully endorsing an anti-science health policy. As a member of the Senate Health Policy Committee, I’ll be doing everything in my power to protect our kids from these reckless attempts to harm them.”
Senator Tina Polsky:
“Vaccines are crucial for our children because they protect them from deadly diseases and keep entire communities safe through herd immunity. Diseases, including polio, that once destroyed our children’s health and futures, will have the chance to return under this dangerous policy change. I voted against Dr. Ladapo’s confirmation in 2023 because he has a habit of misrepresenting science and making decisions that affect the health of Floridians. He remains determined to prioritize political dogma over smart health decisions.”
Senator Shevrin Jones:
“Ending vaccine mandates poses a grave public health risk and will likely lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases. This reckless move jeopardizes the health and lives of countless Floridians — from children to seniors — especially those too young to be vaccinated or those with compromised immune systems. The DeSantis administration is actively undermining public health, making communities more vulnerable to outbreaks and increasing the burden on healthcare systems.”