*Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo revealed plans to abolish all state vaccine mandates, including those required for school attendance, positioning Florida as the first state to take such a step.
Speaking at a Tampa news conference, Ladapo declared that every vaccine mandate “is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery.” He confirmed the removal of approximately “a half a dozen vaccines that are mandated,” stating, “So those are going to be gone for sure. We need to end it. It’s the right thing to do.”
According to The Washington Post, Governor Ron DeSantis endorsed the initiative, noting that while some mandates can be lifted unilaterally, others require legislative approval. Ladapo’s announcement mirrors broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape U.S. vaccine policy. The move also underscores a growing political divide, as Democratic-led states like California, Oregon, and Washington have allied to preserve their immunization guidelines.
Public health experts swiftly condemned Florida’s decision, warning of increased risks for children. “When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it’s harder for diseases to spread, and easier for everyone to keep the fun and learning going,” said Susan Kressly, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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In Miami-Dade County, Antonio White, president of the United Teachers of Dade, expressed alarm, stating, “For decades, school vaccination requirements have played a critical role in keeping our classrooms safe and healthy.”
The decision follows a pattern of controversial positions by Ladapo, including his call to halt mRNA COVID-19 vaccines over debunked DNA contamination claims and his push to end water fluoridation. Florida Rep. Fentrice Driskell called the move “stunningly reckless,” accusing DeSantis of prioritizing “media headlines” over children’s health.
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