Immunizations

Measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash illnesses, according to the Florida Department of Health. Two children and an adult died this year in a measles outbreak in Texas.

Measles is eliminated in the U.S., but cases are popping up nationwide. Health experts worry that if people skip the vaccine, there will be more outbreaks.

Dr. Scott Rivkees, a pediatrician who served as surgeon general from 2019 to 2021 during the COVID pandemic, says the state is going backward when it comes to childhood vaccines.

At a gathering organized by the UF chapter of the Students for a National Health Program, about 50 people demonstrated against making vaccines voluntary for schoolchildren.

The rule changes could take effect by early December, according to the state Department of Health.

The city's chief health officer and the president of the Duval County Medical Society have issued written rebukes of the state's plan to phase out the requirements.

Doctors, medical experts and politicians on both sides of the aisle are pushing back on a plan from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo to end the mandates.

On "The Florida Roundup," the president of the American College of Physicians said he believes the state not mandating vaccines for children will increase costs for health care.

It would include only chickenpox and a few others unless lawmakers decide to extend it to other diseases.

Teachers voice worries that ending vaccine requirements could bring back preventable illnesses, worsen absenteeism, and endanger medically fragile students.

Surveys indicate that for the relatively small but influential group of Americans who oppose childhood vaccines, concerns about personal freedom and government influence are prominent.

Many parents, doctors and other public health workers worry that diseases controlled by vaccines for decades could resurface.