Proposed vaccine removals are limited to non-childhood diseases. The familiar and effective childhood disease vaccines will stay in place unless new legislation is introduced by the Florida state congress. In less than one week the Florida vaccine news went from “disagreeable” to “agreeable” once reality became clear.

“When a man finds a conclusion agreeable, he accepts it without argument, but when he finds it disagreeable, he will bring against it all the forces of logic and reason.” Thucydides The ancient Greek general and historian, Thucydides, warned against jumping to conclusions just because it agrees or disagrees with a personal opinion. Floridians and U.S. citizens in general, would do well to heed the general’s advice. The Florida Announcement: A First Step or a Misstep? On September 4th, 2025 Florida Surgeon General (SG) Joseph Ladapo announced the executive decision to end all vaccine mandates, including for children. The proposed action was presented as being “…for the benefit of all of us, it is much better for parents to be the ones to decide what vaccines their children accept.” Since this was an executive decision affecting multiple state agencies, it was apparent that the state legislature’s approval would be required. The SG’s announcement should be viewed as the first step in a major legislative process. However, it can also be viewed as a misstep of executive overreach when considering the black and white nature of the announcement. Reactions: Fast and Furious A major change in decades long policy will generate controversy regardless of the intended result. Reaction to the SG’s announcement was immediate and, largely, critical of it. Florida Democrats immediately issued a unanimous opposition statement. Even President Trump weighed in with a cautionary warning not to go too fast with rescinding childhood vaccines. The SG’s announcement was supported by some, including the Trump administration Medicaid and Medicare Director, Mehmet Oz. The Director stated “This is a decision that a physician and a patient should be making together,” he continued. “The parents love their kids more than anybody else could love that kid, so why not let the parents play an active role in this?” Premature Judgment?  While public and private individuals were sounding alarm bells of unvaccinated children spreading long conquered diseases and dying in droves, a deeper dive indicated that the hysteria was premature. Whatever the intent of the SG, he and the governor were certainly aware that the state legislature would have the final say on any childhood vaccine programs. Four days after the SG’s announcement the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) clarified the realities: “Florida's plan would lift mandates on school vaccines for hepatitis B, chickenpox, Hib influenza and pneumococcal diseases, such as meningitis, the health department said. “The Department initiated the rule change on September 3, 2025, and anticipates the rule change will not be effective for approximately 90 days,” the state told The Associated Press in an email. The public school year in Florida started in August. All other vaccinations required under Florida law to attend school “remain in place, unless updated through legislation,” including vaccines for measles, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, mumps and tetanus, the department said.”  (Tampa Bay 10) Proposed vaccine removals are limited to non-childhood diseases. The familiar and effective childhood disease vaccines will stay in place unless new legislation is introduced by the Florida state congress. In less than one week the Florida vaccine news went from “disagreeable” to “agreeable” once reality became clear. What is the Current Childhood Vaccine Regimen? Childcare and/or Family Daycare * Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) * Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) * Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) * Varicella (chickenpox) *** * Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) *** * Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) *** * Hepatitis B (Hep B) *** Preschool Entry * DTaP * IPV * MMR * Varicella *** * Hib *** * Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) *** * Hepatitis B (Hep B) *** Kindergarten through 12th Grade * Four or five doses of DTaP * Four or five doses of IPV * Two doses of MMR * Three doses of Hep B *** * One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) * Two doses of Varicella *** *** Indicates proposed removal from mandated vaccine list Why the Pushback on Vaccine Mandates? The insistence by public health officials that children be vaccinated multiple times for Covid-19 has seen significant pushback from parents. Despite more than 90% of people below 19 years of age experiencing mild to moderate cold systems upon contracting the virus, many public health agencies have continued to push the Covid-19 vaccine and subsequent boosters.  Looking at the vaccine regimen listed above, it is apparent that the average US school child is receiving an aggressive number of vaccinations prior to and during their classroom days. Parents have become concerned, in light of Covid-19 vaccine side effects, that they be involved in the number and rate of vaccination for their children.  The draconian and unsubstantiated edicts imposed during the Covid-19 panic have left the American public skeptical of vaccine mandates and other arbitrary government health edicts. The fierce resistance by pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies and politicians has heightened citizen uncertainty with mandate compliance; particularly when mandate advocates are exposed for taking campaign contributions and participating in lifestyles at extreme odds (Monkey Pox Czar and LGBTQ+) with the average American. Heeding Thucydides Whether we agree with the Florida SG or the FLDOH; we would be wise to refrain from jumping to conclusions. Vaccine mandates, their imposition or removal/reduction, are major considerations requiring input from all levels of government and the public at large. This will be a deliberate and considered process. During the pandemic panic, Florida was largely able to navigate the path between hysteria and hard data. Taking a measured approach to judging medical mandates is neither unsafe nor uncaring. Welcoming a robust evaluation of real, unbiased data is the only means to resolve the agreeable and disagreeable arguments. Let us all agree on that before jumping to conclusions. COS and Mandates COS has proposed that federal government overreach be one of the three subjects addressed at an Article V Convention of States. Florida is grappling with state vaccine mandates that are largely influenced by CDC guidance. As an organization of nationwide grassroots activists promoting limited government, it is our responsibility as citizens to engage with our federal, state and local representatives.  Do you agree with the current vaccine regimen or do you think it should be reduced for children? Talk with your doctors and don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Speak with your representatives and let them know, respectfully, what you think regarding Florida’s vaccine mandates. #

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