vaccinations

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.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, along with Gov. Ron DeSantis, made the announcement Wednesday.

The state agency advises people to skip the shot because it doesn’t target the current dominant variant. A USF epidemiologist says it will still be effective.

Dr. Simone Gold was issued a medical license from the Florida Department of Health and has opened an online practice based in Naples.