Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo speaks during a press conference in Miami, Fla., on May 17, 2022. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Florida officials have formally proposed removing four vaccines from the list of vaccines required for school attendance.
The Florida Department of Health, in a proposed rule published on Aug. 24, said it would remove vaccines against varicella, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and pneumococcal disease from the list of vaccines school students must receive.
The removal of those vaccines is because they are not mandated for inclusion in the list of required vaccines by state law, the department said in a summary of the rule.
President Donald Trump named vaccines against varicella, or chickenpox, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and pneumococcal disease as recommended for all children in his recent executive order on vaccine recommendations.
He said that the hepatitis B vaccine should only be advised for certain groups.
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Ladapo tried to convince legislators to make legislative changes to end the other requirements, but has been unsuccessful.
The new proposal would also expand the basis of religious exemptions from vaccination.
The current form says that a parent or legal guardian is seeking an exemption because “immunizations are in conflict with my religious tenets or practices.”
The update would add, “which may include a sincerely held moral or ethical belief.”
It would also update provisions for opting out of Florida’s statewide immunization system, SHOTS.
Florida health officials are accepting public comments on the proposed rule through Sept. 14.
Some doctors spoke out against the proposal after it was unveiled.
“The proposed rule would remove school vaccine requirements for Hib, hepatitis B, varicella and pneumococcal disease, increasing the risk that these preventable illnesses spread in our schools and communities,” said Dr. Rana Alissa, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Florida and president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which opposes any changes to vaccine recommendations.
“Pediatricians have been clear that widespread childhood immunization helps keep children healthy and protects those who are most vulnerable.
“We urge the department to preserve the safeguards that have protected Florida’s children and families for decades.”
