Florida Health Department Proposes Changes to School Vaccine Mandates

The Florida Department of Health has opened a 21-day public comment period for a proposal to eliminate several childhood vaccine requirements for PreK-12 public school entry, including those for Hepatitis B and varicella. This potential policy shift has drawn criticism from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which warns of increased health risks for children. The decision could significantly alter public health protections in schools across the state.