Florida's Vaccine Rule Change: What You Need to Know

Starting soon, kids in Florida won't need certain vaccines to attend school.

Key Changes:

• Vaccines no longer required:
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis B
• Hib influenza
• Pneumococcal diseases (e.g., meningitis)
• Vaccines still required:
• Measles
• Polio
• Tetanus

Timeline:

• Effective Date: 90 days after September 3, 2025
• Public School Start: August 2025
• Next Legislative Session: January 2026

Key Figures and Opinions:

Supporters:

• Dr. Joseph Ladapo (Florida Surgeon General):
• Believes in parental choice
• Advocates for freedom in vaccination decisions

Opponents:

• Dr. Rana Alissa (Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics):
• Warns of increased risks to students and staff
• Highlights the worst measles outbreak in over 30 years (1,400+ cases, 3 deaths)

Context:

• Vaccine Impact: Saved millions of lives globally in the past 50 years, primarily infants and children.
• Debate: Ongoing discussion on vaccine mandates and public health.