Florida's Surgeon General Compares Vaccines to Slavery

For many years, mandatory vaccinations have served as a cornerstone in the prevention of outbreaks from serious diseases. However, Florida is on track to become the first state to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates, potentially ushering in a new wave of measles and polio outbreaks.This decision, revealed by state officials as children head back to school, is alarmingly framed as an issue of personal freedom. Public health experts caution that this shift will exacerbate racial health disparities, increase the risk of preventable illnesses in children, and further politicize scientific matters."This dangerous choice jeopardizes children's lives," stated Dr. Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Historically, Florida required vaccinations for several diseases to enroll in child daycare and public schools. The proposed change means families may not need to immunize children before schooling.Experts are concerned that reducing vaccination rates undermines educational safety and health, especially amid rising preventable disease cases and increasing vaccine hesitancy nationally. The implications are staggering.