Florida’s decision to eliminate vaccination requirements in public schools has left Elizabeth feeling quite apprehensive. Her 11-year-old daughter has a rare immunodeficiency and depends on biweekly plasma infusions for any semblance of protection.
She can miss up to 50 days of school, but Elizabeth fears that the drop in vaccination rates could worsen the situation. “Removing the mandate sends a message that we don’t care if people get vaccinated. So, why would parents of healthy kids want to vaccinate?” she questioned. “They should do it for those who are more vulnerable.”
In September, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Lapad announced that, from January onward, vaccines for diseases like varicella and hepatitis B would no longer be mandatory for school-aged children.
Experts worry that this change could lead to a resurgence of diseases that were previously under control, potentially harming local economies. Elizabeth, who wishes to keep her family close despite contemplating a move back to Massachusetts, sighed, “My support system is here for now. We just have to navigate life in Florida.”
Sonya Rasmussen, an infectious disease physician with CDC experience, noted that vaccines’ prior success has fostered a misconception that they are no longer necessary. “The success of vaccines has, perhaps, led to complacency. That’s concerning,” she stated.
Rasmussen expressed her fears about the revival of diseases hidden for years. At a press conference, Lapad controversially compared vaccine mandates to slavery, suggesting the repeal was a way to emphasize parental rights, though he admitted he hadn’t forecasted the public health implications.
He insisted that no one’s access to vaccines is being hindered: “If parents want vaccinations, they can get them. It’s their choice—shouldn’t we respect that?”
But Jason Salemi from the University of South Florida voiced his concerns regarding public health risks. “When herd immunity drops below around 95 percent, it raises the possibility of outbreaks,” he warned. He emphasized that those with compromised immune systems, like children with cancer, could be particularly in danger.
Even former President Trump has expressed reservations about Florida’s new policy, emphasizing the proven efficacy of vaccines: “Some vaccines simply work. Ignoring that could expose people to unnecessary risks.” While many in the Republican party support Lapad’s stance, some are not so sure about the direction they’re headed.
Simone Gold, president of America’s Frontline Doctors and a vocal critic of strict health mandates, argued against enforcement, claiming that “a mandate is the worst thing we can impose.” She also has a controversial history, having served time for her involvement in the Capitol riots.
Debbie Bresnak from Delray Beach shared her own experience of facing backlash when she decided against vaccinating her children. She argued that vaccinated individuals shouldn’t be concerned about the choices of those who are not. “If a vaccine works, it should protect you, regardless of what others decide,” she said, emphasizing the need for proper education rather than dictation.
This perspective comes in the wake of outbreaks, such as one in Texas, which disproportionately affected unvaccinated children and led to serious hospitalizations. The financial fallout from this event was considerable, with the total cost to Texas exceeding $35 million.
The implications for Florida could be significant as well, potentially deterring tourism in a state that welcomes millions of visitors. Former Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkeis criticized the new approach, stressing that personal freedoms regarding vaccines shouldn’t come at the cost of community health. “Vaccination requirements help protect those most vulnerable,” he argued.
Lana Alissa, president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, added her voice to the growing concerns, labeling the lack of a mandate an unjustifiable intrusion on families like Elizabeth’s. “These are the people who will suffer; they can’t avoid exposure in public places,” she warned. “This isn’t just about policy; we’re discussing lives.”
