1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent announcement by Florida's Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo regarding plans to end all state vaccine mandates. This unprecedented move would make Florida the first U.S. state to stop requiring vaccines for school children, potentially jeopardizing our hard-won progress against preventable diseases like measles and polio. The current state statutes require immunization against seven illnesses for school children, with the Department of Health having added four more. These requirements have been instrumental in maintaining public health and preventing outbreaks. Dismantling these protections could have severe consequences for our communities, especially our most vulnerable populations. It's crucial to note that Florida already has the second-highest rate of non-medical vaccine exemptions in the nation, trailing only behind Texas. Further relaxing our vaccine policies could lead to dangerous drops in immunization rates, potentially reviving diseases we've long kept at bay. While I respect individual liberties, public health is a collective responsibility. Vaccine mandates are not about government overreach; they're about creating safe environments for all our children to learn and grow. The comparison of vaccine mandates to slavery, as made by Surgeon General Ladapo, is not only inappropriate but also grossly misrepresents the purpose and impact of these life-saving public health measures. I urge you to stand firm against any attempts to dismantle our vaccine mandates. Please work to ensure that any proposed changes to our public health policies are based on sound scientific evidence and prioritize the well-being of all Floridians. Our children's health and the safety of our communities depend on maintaining strong immunization practices. As your constituent, I ask that you publicly oppose this dangerous proposal and work with your colleagues to protect Florida's public health infrastructure. The consequences of inaction could be severe and long-lasting. Let's not allow Florida to become ground zero for preventable disease outbreaks.