Florida Ex-Surgeon General Warns 4-Vaccine Rollback Could Harm Children
Updated
Updated · WUSF · Oct 7
Florida Ex-Surgeon General Warns 4-Vaccine Rollback Could Harm Children
1 articles · Updated · WUSF · Oct 7
Summary
Scott Rivkees said Florida’s proposal to drop four vaccine requirements for daycare and school entry could bring back preventable illnesses, leading to more hospitalizations, deaths and lasting complications in children.
The targeted shots protect against chickenpox, H. flu meningitis, pneumococcal disease and hepatitis, and Rivkees said removing them is arbitrary, not science-based, and would also endanger immunocompromised and older residents.
Joseph Ladapo, the current surgeon general, has pushed to end vaccine mandates and acknowledged he did not study the outcome of this specific change; he declined an interview before Thursday’s hearing.
Rivkees said the legislature already declined a similar effort and cited polling showing broad support for school vaccine requirements, including 71% of Republicans, though the rule could still take effect after the notice period with the governor’s backing.