Summary
Florida’s surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, announced plans to end state vaccine mandates, including those for children in schools. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis also introduced a new state commission called "Make America Healthy Again" to focus on health policies. In contrast, Democratic governors from the West Coast states announced a joint health alliance to coordinate vaccine recommendations.
Key Facts
- Florida's surgeon general wants to eliminate all state vaccine mandates.
- Joseph Ladapo compared vaccine mandates to "slavery."
- Governor Ron DeSantis launched a "Make America Healthy Again" state commission.
- Florida's current vaccine mandates cover diseases such as measles, chickenpox, and polio.
- Democratic governors from Washington, Oregon, and California formed an alliance for health policy coordination.
- The alliance aims to align vaccine guidelines with national medical organizations' recommendations.
- Florida's health department can change some vaccine rules, but others need legislative action.
