DAILY ACTION: September 4, 2025
DeSantis Administration Moves to Eliminate Vaccine Requirements — Your Voice Matters
Editor’s Note: State Representative Anna Eskamani (House District 42) works tirelessly for the people of Florida. This post from her website is followed by a sample letter you can use to let your electeds know how you feel about the latest assault on public health and science from the fascist regime in Tallahassee. Read more about the anti-science charlatan Joseph Ladapo on MotherJones
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.
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- RFK is testifying before the Senate Finance committee at 10AM today. Let your electeds know how his anti-science, anti-health, un-American policies that are affecting your life.