By Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix
Update: The Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians (FCACP) and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP) have asked the Department of Health to hold a meeting on its proposed new rules regarding immunization requirements for childcare and school admission, plus opt-out provisions.
Related: Childhood vaccination rates drop across 1,600 US counties.
“The Chapters are keenly aware of the controversy surrounding the potential elimination of vaccine requirements, and that controversy itself is why any proposal should be properly vetted, with legitimate scientific research driving public policy,” Jacksonville health care attorney and lobbyist Christoper Nuland wrote to State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Wednesday, requesting the public meeting.” Numerous scientifically vetted studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these immunizations.”
Nuland said the physicians he represents are “unaware of any substantial competent evidence” of safety or efficacy concerns of the immunizations. “Without such evidence, any promulgated rule could be deemed to be arbitrary and capricious.”
Ladapo acknowledged to CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union” over the weekend that the state had conducted no studies before deciding to eliminate vaccine mandates.
The DOH announced Wednesday that it is updating its immunization requirements and forms for childcare and school admission, as well as its opt-out provisions.
The notice appeared in the Florida Administrative Register (FAR) along with the information that “if requested in writing and not deemed unnecessary by the agency head,” a rule development workshop will be scheduled and announced in a subsequent FAR. The state publishes the document daily.
The DOH did not provide draft language.
The DeSantis administration made national news last week when Ladapo announced he wanted to eliminate all vaccination mandates from Florida law.
Ladapo argued that mandates drip “with disdain and slavery.”
Florida law contains a number of immunization requirements for the young and the old.
The state already allows exemptions for valid medical reasons, religious and certain belief systems, and, in some cases, philosophical beliefs.
Immunization for poliomyelitis, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, mumps, and tetanus is required for entry and attendance in Florida schools, childcare facilities, and home daycare. Florida law also requires school districts to develop and disseminate parent guides that include information about the importance of student health and available immunizations and vaccinations, including, but not limited to, recommended immunization schedules in accordance with federal recommendations.
College students who reside in on-campus housing must provide documentation of vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B. Again, the law contains exemptions, and students who refuse the vaccines are required to sign waivers.
Nursing homes are required to assess residents' eligibility for pneumococcal vaccinations or revaccinations within five business days of admission. If indicated, the resident must be vaccinated or revaccinated within 60 days after admission, in accordance with the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, subject to exemptions for medical contraindications and religious or personal beliefs.
Wednesday’s announcement appears to target rules for public and nonpublic schools for preschool, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education classes.
Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott has distanced himself from the proposal, but other top Republicans came out in support of it. Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate have been quiet on their positions.
How to get immunizations and vaccinations in Orange County and Apopka
As Florida debates vaccine mandates, local health experts stress that access to childhood and adult immunizations remains widely available. In Orange County, families can schedule vaccinations through the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange), which operates clinics throughout the region.
-
Call (407) 723-5004 or visit orange.floridahealth.gov to make an appointment.
-
Vaccines are offered at the Central Health Center (832 W. Central Blvd., Orlando) and other satellite clinics.
-
For those who qualify, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free school vaccines for children.
-
Pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Publix also provide many routine vaccinations for adults and teens.
In Apopka:
-
Florida Department of Health Apopka Health Center (1111 Rock Springs Rd., Apopka) offers childhood and adult vaccines, including back-to-school immunizations.
-
CVS Pharmacy—Hunt Club Blvd. & Rock Springs Rd. and Walgreens—S. Park Ave. & Semoran Blvd. provides flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, shingles vaccines, and other adult immunizations.
-
Publix Pharmacy – Wekiva Riverwalk and Apopka Commons locations also provide routine vaccines for children (age 7+) and adults.
Public health officials emphasize that keeping vaccination rates high is critical to preventing the return of dangerous diseases like measles, whooping cough, and mumps.
