Florida proposes ending 4 school vaccine mandates

Florida health officials have proposed a rule change that would eliminate four vaccine requirements for students attending public and private schools in the state. The proposal, filed by the Florida Department of Health, would end the mandate for immunizations against chickenpox, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and pneumococcal disease. The move is a key step in a long-running effort by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo to remove all vaccine mandates. The proposed rule is now in a 21-day public comment period and is not yet final. Children in Florida are still required to have all four vaccines to attend school.