Florida moves to abolish all childhood vaccine requirements in schools

Florida has moved to abolish all childhood vaccine mandates in the state.

On Wednesday, September 3, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced at a press conference hosted by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis that all vaccine requirements in Florida schools would be lifted.

The proposal would end decades-old requirements for immunization against diseases such as measles, polio, hepatitis B, and chickenpox for attending public schools.

Ladapo, a longtime critic of vaccines, declared at the press conference, “All of this is wrong and filled with condescension and servitude.”

“As a government or as anyone else, as a human being standing here right now, what right do I have to tell you what you must put into your body?” Ladapo asked, adding that parents also “do not have the right to dictate what goes into their children’s bodies.”

He defended his decision, claiming the move would be a victory for “parental choice” and “bodily autonomy.” He stressed that the state is not banning vaccines, and those who wish to protect themselves may still do so.

“If you want to put different vaccines into your body, God bless you. I hope you make an informed decision. If you don’t want to put any vaccines into your body, God bless you. I hope you make an informed decision. That’s how it should be,” Ladapo said.

The announcement drew strong backlash. Democratic candidate for Orlando mayor Anna Eskamani called the removal of vaccine requirements “reckless and dangerous,” warning it could lead to a rapid spread of preventable diseases. “This will be a public health disaster for the Sunshine State,” she wrote.

Fentrice Driskell, Democratic Leader of the State House of Representatives, also condemned the plan, calling it “shockingly reckless.”

“DeSantis wants to trade our children’s health for media headlines. If this happens, Florida will welcome back child killers like polio and measles with open arms,” Driskell said.

Ladapo has previously faced criticism for his stance on vaccines. In 2022, he announced guidelines that made Florida the first state to formally advise against COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children.

Wednesday’s announcement came shortly after DeSantis revealed the creation of the Florida Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) commission, which will propose integrating the controversial Make America Healthy Again initiative—backed by former President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—at the state level.

“The Florida MAHA commission will prioritize reforms that empower Floridians, reduce regulatory burdens, hold actors accountable for their conduct, and provide incentives for healthy living and innovation,” the governor said.