Dear Friend,
Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo have announced plans to eliminate all school and child-care vaccine requirements in Florida.
This is a reckless and dangerous departure from decades of public health policy that has kept our children safe. Currently, Florida law requires immunizations for diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis before a child can attend school. Exemptions are available, meaning that families have the opportunity to opt out.
While the Department of Health can change some rules on its own, many of these protections are written directly into state law. That means the Governor cannot do this unilaterally—any attempt to end these requirements will require the Florida Legislature to act.
I began my nonprofit career in public health, and I know firsthand how critical vaccines are in preventing the spread of disease, protecting children, and saving lives.
Over the last 50 years, vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives worldwide—including more than 100 million infants. The American Medical Association has already warned that Florida’s plan would “undermine decades of public health progress,” and history shows us that when vaccination rates drop, preventable diseases come roaring back.
This is not about politics. It is about protecting kids and families, preventing outbreaks that can close classrooms, and safeguarding a healthy economy where caregivers don’t have to miss work to stay home with sick children.
As State Representative for House District 42, I am committed to fighting this dangerous agenda. But legislators across Florida need to hear from you, too.
Together, we can stop this reckless move and ensure Florida’s children remain safe.
Onward,
PS: Here is a sample letter you can customize for when you contact your local elected officials:
Subject: Please Protect Florida’s Vaccine Requirements for Schools
Body:
Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],
As your constituent, I am deeply concerned about recent statements from Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announcing plans to eliminate all vaccine requirements for Florida schools and child-care facilities.
For decades, Florida has required children to be immunized against serious diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis before attending school. These protections are rooted in science and have kept our communities healthy. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives worldwide over the last 50 years, including more than 100 million infants. Rolling back these requirements would put children, families, and our broader community at risk of preventable disease outbreaks.
The Governor cannot do this alone. Many of Florida’s vaccine requirements are written into state law, which means it is up to the Legislature to protect them. I am urging you to reject any attempt to repeal or weaken our school and child-care vaccine requirements. Florida families deserve safe classrooms and healthy communities, not a return to the days of devastating childhood diseases.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]