Immunizations

The appeal comes as the nation is at risk of losing its measles elimination status and as Oz's boss, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has raised suspicion about the safety and importance of vaccines.

The Mater Dei Clinic at the school reported there had been no new testing over 72 hours. Additionally, the clinic reported that the last positive case reported had been on Feb. 2.

Fewer than 10 cases in the state may not sound like many, but a Jacksonville pediatrician explains that it’s not normal for a disease once considered nearly eradicated in the U.S.

Federal health officials are recommending fewer childhood vaccines, although the ones jettisoned from the recommended schedule have successfully battled serious illness for years.

The House measure would prevent physicians from refusing to treat patients because of vaccination status and add disclosure requirements for when children get vaccinated.

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.

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.

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.