PIDS Statement on State Vaccine Mandate Change

Vaccine mandates for school entry have proven to be effective for decades and resulted in high vaccination rates. These vaccines save lives and prevent long term complications from common infectious diseases for children and adults. These vaccines work so well that a generation of health care professionals have never seen cases of measles or polio or rubella. We have prevented incalculable death and misery thanks to vaccines. As pediatric infectious diseases physicians, pharmacists, advanced practice providers, and those training to join us, we stand behind the solid science surrounding childhood vaccines, something so foundational that every state requires vaccines for entry into public school.

The actions announced today not only jeopardize the health and well-being of children of Florida but also will have a negative impact on vulnerable adults including immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society strongly supports the continue of state mandated vaccines for school entry.