Vaccines

Even as some policymakers challenge mandates, public opinion largely favors requirements for at least one vaccine to protect children and the broader community.

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.

Speaking with a Houston physician, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo says he doesn't want mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in the state.

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.

U.S. House Democrats from Florida have signed a letter urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to reverse Florida's plans to eliminate school vaccine mandates.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says all shots will still be available in Florida for families who decide their children should receive them. He also expects vaccinations rates will remain high without them being coerced to get them.

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.

This week on "The Florida Roundup," we spoke with former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner about his gubernatorial candidacy. Plus, an update on street art removals and more.

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