Florida Bill to Expand Vaccine Exemptions Advances
New "Conscience" Exemption Proposed
A bill aimed at expanding vaccine exemptions for children has advanced in the Florida legislature. The proposed law, introduced by Jacksonville state senator Clay Yarborough, passed the chamber’s health policy committee on Monday with a 6-4 vote.
If enacted, the bill would allow parents to cite "conscience" as a reason to opt out of vaccinations for their children, in addition to existing religious exemptions.
Medical providers would also be required to inform parents about the risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy of each vaccine using state-provided materials.
Mandates Remain, Surgeon General's Stance
Despite the proposed expansion of exemptions, the bill maintains existing mandates for core childhood immunizations: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR); diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP); and polio vaccines.
This provision falls short of promises made last year by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Ladapo had previously expressed an expectation for the complete removal of compulsory vaccinations.
Describing mandates as "wrong," Ladapo had stated lawmakers would "have to choose a side."
Concerns from Lawmakers
The bill faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers during the committee vote, including state senators Gayle Harrell and Alexis Calatayud.
Senator Harrell voiced concerns that an easier opt-out process could diminish the benefits of remaining vaccine mandates, potentially leading to a resurgence of preventable diseases.
Broader Vaccine Policy Discussions
In a separate development, Florida’s health department is independently reviewing requirements for certain vaccines not currently mandated by state law. These include immunizations for chickenpox, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
This discussion comes as three cases of measles have been reported in Florida this year. Dr. Scott Rivkees, Ladapo’s predecessor, has publicly criticized the state's current approach to vaccine policy, citing strong public support for vaccination and potential risks to children’s health.