Florida officials have announced that the state will end all vaccine mandates, including those for schoolchildren. The decision marks a significant shift in public health policy and has drawn strong opposition from several health organizations.
Ashley Lyerly, Senior Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association, responded to the announcement with a statement expressing concern about the potential impact on public health. "The American Lung Association is committed to protecting lung health for all and routinely recommends vaccines to protect against respiratory diseases. As such, we vigorously oppose Florida’s plans to end vaccine requirements, which will put Floridians’ health at risk—especially the nearly 250,000 children in Florida living with asthma.
"Vaccines are one of the greatest public health advancements in history. Immunizations are effective, safe and save lives. In particular, childhood immunizations, like the DTaP vaccine to prevent whooping cough or MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps and rubella, protect communities from outbreaks that cause severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths. Infectious diseases can quickly cross state lines. With Florida offering some of the most popular vacation destinations in the nation, the ramifications from this decision could be catastrophic.
“The American Lung Association supports policies that increase the rate of immunization, especially among children and high-risk individuals. Florida’s announcement to end all vaccine requirements in the state is counter to that effort. The Lung Association will oppose all efforts to limit the use of this proven, public health intervention that protects all Floridians from preventable infectious diseases, especially older adults and individuals with chronic diseases.
“Now is not the time to turn our back on a proven tool that helps us all live longer and healthier lives. Vaccines protect us and the health of families, children, and our most vulnerable.”
The new policy comes as concerns persist about outbreaks of infectious diseases such as measles or whooping cough if vaccination rates decline statewide.
