Protect Florida’s Children: Keep School Immunization Requirements

I am writing to strongly urge you to oppose any legislative effort to eliminate school immunization requirements in Florida. For decades, routine childhood vaccinations have protected Florida’s children, and by extension, our entire communities, from preventable diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus. These requirements are a cornerstone of public health, helping ensure that schools remain safe places for learning, growth, and friendship. Removing vaccine mandates would reverse years of progress and place children at higher risk of serious illness. Contagious diseases spread most easily in close-contact environments like classrooms and playgrounds. When outbreaks occur, children miss school, caregivers miss work, and our local economy suffers. At a time when vaccination coverage is already declining, this policy change would make Florida an outlier and could endanger vulnerable children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and many other medical professionals have expressed deep concern about these proposals. As your constituent, I urge you to listen to the overwhelming evidence and expertise from pediatricians, public health officials, and families who want to keep our children safe. Please stand up for the health and wellbeing of Florida’s children by opposing any effort to eliminate school immunization requirements. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to protecting the people of our state.