In September, Florida’s Governor and Surgeon General announced plans to end the state’s vaccine requirements for school entry. Last week, the Florida Department of Health scheduled a workshop for December 12 in Panama City on proposed changes to Florida Administrative Code Rule 64D-3.046 which requires chickenpox, hepatitis B, Hib, and pneumococcal vaccines for school entry (see the notice for the workshop here). Although we do not have the official proposed rule language, we anticipate the proposed changes to include removal of all four of these vaccines from the requirements.
FCAAP is working to protect school vaccine requirements for Florida’s students. FCAAP’s efforts include the coordination of expert testimony at the December 12 workshop, requesting the Department of Health to schedule additional workshops in other areas of the state to allow for greater participation in the process, and working with Florida Families for Vaccines to collect public comments to submit to the Department of Health on the proposed rule changes.
We need your help NOW!
Please submit your story about:
- how removing school vaccine requirements would impact your family, your patients, or your community;
- the importance of the chickenpox, hepatitis B, Hib, and pneumococcal vaccines for children’s health;
- the impact you’ve seen these diseases have on children and families; and/or
- the dangerous consequences removing these four vaccines from the requirements may have on our communities and economy.
We are asking everyone to share their stories to show the real impact these changes will have on our families and communities. Please also share this advocacy opportunity with others in your communities to help ensure the voices of Floridians from across the state are heard. You can forward the link to this webpage or share the direct link to the comment form.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY HERE
Thank you for advocating on behalf of Florida’s children and families!
