So far, Florida has failed to end vaccine mandates. Now there's a last-ditch effort
Florida Republicans have pushed hard to drop some vaccine requirements for children. But after many months, their efforts stalled out. Could this week's special legislative session get the job done?
By NPR Health
Governor Ron DeSantis has called a special legislative session in Florida with a primary focus on 'medical freedom' and a last-ditch effort to end childhood vaccine mandates. The session follows a year-long campaign by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who has characterized state vaccine requirements for schools and daycares as a form of 'bodily slavery.' While previous attempts to roll back mandates stalled, the new session aims to give parents more 'choice' in opting out of foundational public health defenses.
The outcome in Florida is being viewed as a potential blueprint for other states, with over 350 anti-vaccine bills introduced in various legislatures last year. Health experts warn that weakening mandates could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases like meningitis and chickenpox. As the special session begins, the political battle highlights a growing divide between traditional public health imperatives and the 'medical freedom' movement that has gained significant momentum within the modern Republican party.