So far, Florida has failed to end vaccine mandates. Now there's a last-ditch effort
Florida has attempted to eliminate certain vaccine mandates but has not yet succeeded, with efforts stalling in the legislature by March 2025. Governor Ron DeSantis has called a special session in April to revisit the issue, focusing on 'medical freedom' alongside redistricting and AI protections. While anti-vaccine bills have gained attention across the U.S., most have not passed, and public support for childhood vaccination remains strong.
- ▪Florida's leaders have sought to become the first state to drop some childhood vaccine mandates since summer 2024.
- ▪Governor Ron DeSantis called a special legislative session in April 2025 with 'medical freedom' around vaccines as one of three agenda items.
- ▪An Associated Press analysis found at least 350 anti-vaccine bills were introduced in state legislatures in the previous year, many targeting school vaccine requirements.
- ▪Kelly Whitener of Georgetown University noted that while many anti-vaccine bills are introduced, most do not become law due to a gap between vocal minority views and majority public support for vaccination.
- ▪Public health experts emphasize that most people still support near-universal childhood vaccination to protect vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.
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So far, Florida has failed to end vaccine mandates. Now there's a last-ditch effort April 28, 20265:00 AM ET From By Kerry Sheridan Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo speaks during a Patient Freedom news conference on March 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. Chris O'Meara/AP hide caption toggle caption Chris O'Meara/AP Every state, as well as D.C., requires children to obtain certain vaccinations before they can attend school or childcare. These mandates date back decades, and are considered a foundational bulwark of public health defense against infectious disease. This story was produced in partnership with KFF Health News. Since last summer, Florida's leaders have aimed to be the first state to drop some of those vaccine mandates.
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