PIDS Opposes Florida Vaccine Policy That Will Jeopardize Kids’ Health

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, the world’s largest organization of pediatric infectious diseases specialists, strongly opposes the state of Florida’s recommendation against coronavirus vaccination for healthy children. COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be highly efficacious and safe in all age groups evaluated thus far, including children ages 5 and older. Physicians and parents should continue childhood vaccination efforts, in accordance with CDC guidance.

Though COVID-19 has disproportionally affected older adults and those with underlying health conditions, healthy children have also directly felt the effects of this virus. CDC data show nearly 1,600 children under the age of 17 have died of COVID-19 and projects almost 60% of the U.S. population under 18 years of age has had the virus, and children currently account for 19% of cases. COVID-19 vaccines greatly reduce the likelihood of infection, hospitalization, and severe illness while protecting kids from complications, such as MIS-C and long-COVID, prevalent in COVID-19 infection.

PIDS earnestly supports the use of science and data to inform health care decisions and stands in solidarity with the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics as we make every effort to protect children and families in our communities.

C. Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS – President, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

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About PIDS
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society (PIDS) is the world’s largest organization of professionals dedicated to the treatment, control, and eradication of infectious diseases affecting children. Membership is comprised of physicians, doctoral-level scientists, and others who have trained or are in training in infectious diseases or its related disciplines, and who are identified with the discipline of pediatric infectious diseases or related disciplines through clinical practice, research, teaching, and/or administration activities. For more information, visit www.pids.org.