Florida Surgeon General Admits Vaccine Mandate Ban Based on Intuition Over Science

Florida Surgeon General Admits Vaccine Mandate Ban Based on "Vibes" TALLAHASSEE, FL - In a stunning admission, Florida's surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, revealed that his decision to eliminate all vaccine mandates in the state was not based on scientific analysis or data, but rather on "vibes." During an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday morning, Ladapo acknowledged that no research or studies were conducted to determine the potential consequences of ending vaccine mandates. Instead, he claimed that officials relied on a sense of intuition and moral conviction. "We didn't do any analysis on how many new cases of hepatitis A, whooping cough, and chickenpox would arise after the ending of vaccine mandates," Ladapo said. "There's this conflation of science and sort of, what is the right and wrong thing to do?" Ladapo's comments sparked widespread criticism from public health experts and medical professionals, who expressed concern about the potential consequences of abandoning vaccine mandates. "This is a reckless decision that puts the lives of Floridians at risk," said Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading expert on vaccine development and policy. "Vaccine mandates are not just about individual choice; they're also about protecting public health and preventing outbreaks." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has consistently stated that vaccines are safe and effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. However, Ladapo claimed that the whooping cough vaccine is ineffective at preventing transmission. Research has shown that while the whooping cough vaccine does decrease over time, it still provides significant protection against the disease. The CDC recommends that children receive a series of vaccinations to protect against whooping cough, which can be severe and even life-threatening in young children. Ladapo's decision to eliminate vaccine mandates is part of a broader trend of anti-vaccine sentiment among some state officials. In recent months, several states have introduced legislation aimed at restricting or eliminating vaccine mandates. The implications of Ladapo's decision are far-reaching and potentially devastating. Without vaccine mandates, vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems may be left unprotected against infectious diseases. As the debate over vaccine mandates continues to rage, public health experts are urging policymakers to rely on scientific evidence and data when making decisions about vaccination policy. "We need to prioritize public health and safety above all else," said Dr. Hotez. "Vaccine mandates are a critical tool in preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations." Background: Florida's surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. Since taking office, Ladapo has been a vocal critic of vaccine mandates and has advocated for greater flexibility in vaccination policies. Additional Perspectives: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has expressed strong opposition to Ladapo's decision, citing the potential risks to children's health. The CDC has emphasized the importance of vaccine mandates in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. Public health experts are calling on policymakers to rely on scientific evidence and data when making decisions about vaccination policy. Current Status: Ladapo's decision to eliminate vaccine mandates is currently being reviewed by state officials. Meanwhile, public health experts continue to warn about the potential consequences of abandoning vaccine mandates. As the debate over vaccine mandates continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be devastating. *Reporting by Motherjones.*