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Vaccination Rules Workshop - Keep the Requirement!
On Friday December 12, I testified on behalf of the FAFP at the Florida Department of Health's (DOH) rule workshop addressing the proposal to remove the requirement for four vaccines currently mandated by rule for school-aged children (Hep B, Hib, varicella, and pneumonia). With each of these vaccines being required for over 20 years, I explained that these immunizations have been rigorously studied and no valid scientific evidence exists, past or present, supporting their removal. I also discussed the importance of herd immunity and how vaccines protect the most vulnerable in our communities. This fact was emphasized by over a dozen physicians, mostly pediatricians, who also discussed the severity of vaccine preventable illnesses, and the reason we don't see or have to treat children or immunocompromised adults is due to the efficacy of these vaccines. Equally compelling was testimony provided by FAFP contracted legal counsel and others who emphasized the DOH's statutory obligation to ensure that all children in the State of Florida are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. Simply stated, not mandating these vaccines for any reason would be in violation of state law and the FAFP remains committed to fight any effort by the DOH for their removal from Florida Administrative Code. The FAFP will continue to monitor the DOH's actions regarding this issue very closely and keep the membership updated on any changes as updates are available.
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