vaccinations

The disease was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, but outbreaks have increased in recent years as vaccine skepticism rises.

Florida's Surgeon General has called to end all vaccine mandates. Vaccine hesitancy is growing, and pediatricians say they are feeling the strain of tackling the mistrust.

A state plan would remove mandates on schoolchildren receiving shots for chickenpox, hepatitis B, Hib and pneumococcal disease. Comments can be made through Sept. 14.

Two "measles-associated" deaths were reported by Pennsylvania health authorities this week in Lancaster County, the first such deaths so far this year in the U.S.

The health department is proposing a rule to remove hepatitis B, chickenpox, Hib, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine mandates for school attendance.

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.