vaccinations

The vice president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics knows what happens when the vaccination rate dips below herd immunity.

Despite a call to end vaccine mandates in Florida, nothing has happened on a policy level. Now, pediatricians are seeing vaccine hesitancy growing.

Florida’s attempt to expand vaccine exemptions for children is back in play after it failed to pass during the regular session that ended March 13.

The committee debate was vigorous at times, with some supporters unsure if they would give the bill approval on the chamber floor.

Doctors have warned that removing school mandates and leaving decisions fully up to parents will erode vaccination rates further and eliminate herd immunity levels.

Dr. Mobeen Rathore in Jacksonville explains what we've learned about the disease and what its future looks like.

Health experts worry the change could lower vaccination rates and lead to a rise in preventable diseases like polio, which many doctors have little experience with.

Dr. Scott Rivkees, a pediatrician who served as surgeon general from 2019 to 2021, says the state is going backward when it comes to childhood vaccines.

The plan would include only chickenpox and a few other diseases unless state lawmakers decide to expand it.

Doctors, medical experts and politicians on both sides of the aisle are pushing back on a plan from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo to end all vaccine requirements in the state.