In last week’s legislative special session, Republicans were a little timid about taking on the vaccine issues here in the state.
Governor DeSantis is pushing ahead with his plan to eliminate Florida vaccine requirements. The “medical freedom” bill is identical to the legislation that failed to get traction during the regular session.
The debate was supposed to happen alongside redistricting, but the state-controlled GOP House decided not to bring up the issue.
Where are Florida voters on this issue?
A poll taken in April by McLaughlin & Associates found 8 out of 10 voters support maintaining vaccine requirements in public schools, with strong backing across party lines.
David Dodd, CEO of vaccine developer GeoVax, doesn’t believe Gov. DeSantis will change course or compromise on the vaccine issue with the remaining months he has left in office.
Dodd says policymakers move against clear public consensus on vaccines, it erodes trust, creates confusion for families, and weakens the infrastructure needed to respond quickly to future outbreaks.
Legislation being proposed would allow parents with an opt-out option for vaccine mandates for their children.
Under current state law, exemptions from a vaccine only applies for religious or health-based exemptions.
Normally if a person wanted an exemption they had to show up in person at the local county health office, but one proposal would allow people to get an exemption online.
