Vaccination rates for children in Florida have hit a low mark, with only 88.1% of kindergartners completing required vaccines in the 2023-24 school year. This is part of a national trend as misinformation and hesitancy increase.
High vaccination rates are crucial to maintain herd immunity, which protects those who cannot get vaccinated due to medical issues or age. Measles outbreaks have become more frequent because people are not meeting vaccination recommendations.
Florida leads the Southeast in vaccine exemptions, with nearly 5% of kindergarteners receiving non-medical exemptions. Pediatricians like Dr. Jennifer Takagishi are concerned about the spread of misinformation on social media and COVID-19 pandemic-related hesitancy.
While some parents express concerns about side effects, pediatricians emphasize that evidence shows childhood vaccines are safe and effective. They stress it’s essential for parents to discuss their concerns with healthcare professionals rather than ignoring vaccination recommendations.
Some pediatricians refuse to treat unvaccinated families, citing the risk of preventable diseases. With President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, there are concerns about potential policy changes that could fuel hesitancy further.
Source: https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2025-01-13/fewer-florida-children-are-receiving-routine-vaccinations