Florida Moves to Weaken School Vaccine Mandates

Florida is on track to become the first state to scale back its school vaccination requirements, with changes expected to take effect in about 90 days. The plan, announced by the state health department, would make immunizations against illnesses such as chickenpox, hepatitis B, Hib influenza, and pneumococcal diseases voluntary rather than mandatory.

The move follows remarks by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who said parents—not the state—should decide whether to vaccinate their children. “If you want them, God bless, you can have as many as you want,” Ladapo told CNN. “And if you don’t want them, parents should have the ability and the power to decide what goes into their children’s bodies.”

Currently, vaccines for measles, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, mumps, and tetanus will remain required, unless lawmakers decide otherwise. Florida’s legislature does not reconvene until January 2026, though committees begin meeting in October.

Health experts warn the rollback could endanger public safety, particularly amid a rise in preventable diseases. The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, with more than 1,400 cases and three deaths so far this year. Whooping cough has also surged, killing at least three children nationwide.

The World Health Organization reported in 2024 that vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives worldwide over the past 50 years, mostly among children. Florida already allows religious exemptions to vaccine requirements, but pediatric leaders say making immunizations optional risks exposing schools to avoidable outbreaks.