As pediatric-focused nurse practitioners and members of the Florida and Florida Gulf Coast Chapters of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), we strongly oppose the Florida surgeon general’s plan to eliminate all school vaccine requirements in Florida. This unprecedented decision would make Florida the first state to completely abandon a practice that has successfully controlled infectious diseases for generations, placing our children and communities at unnecessary risk.
School vaccine requirements are not optional safeguards, they are proven public health protections that have maintained high vaccination coverage and prevented dangerous outbreaks. Vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, representing one of modern medicine’s greatest achievements.
Vaccine-preventable diseases are actively resurging. According to the CDC, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, yet cases have risen dramatically in recent years. In 2024, there were 252 total measles cases nationwide, including 16 measles outbreaks with 69% of all cases being outbreak-associated. The situation has worsened significantly in 2025, with more than 1,500 measles cases already confirmed. Whooping cough cases also remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, signaling a broader trend of vaccine-preventable diseases making dangerous comebacks. Weakening Florida’s defenses now would be like removing flood barriers during rising waters.
Current data shows that 5.1% of Florida students already had vaccine exemptions during the 2024-2025 school year, with 4.8% for non-medical reasons. Any further erosion of vaccination coverage will push Florida closer to the tipping point where outbreaks become uncontrollable.
Eliminating vaccine requirements will have cascading effects across multiple sectors. More children will be hospitalized with preventable diseases, leading to increased school absences and financial strain on families. Schools will struggle with frequent closures and disrupted learning. Florida’s vital tourism industry will suffer as infectious diseases spread more easily among residents and visitors. Health-care systems will face surges in preventable illnesses, straining resources and diverting attention from other critical health needs.
Both the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly oppose Florida’s plan, with the AAP stating that ending vaccine requirements will endanger children and have “ripple effects” across communities. Our organization, NAPNAP, has voted to endorse the AAP’s Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and urges its members to recommend immunizations based on this evidence-based schedule. This widespread professional opposition reflects the overwhelming scientific consensus that vaccine requirements are essential public health tools. As health-care professionals who work directly with children and families, we witness firsthand the effectiveness of vaccines and understand the fear that grips communities when outbreaks occur.
We call on Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and all elected officials to reject this dangerous proposal. Instead of eliminating vaccine requirements, Florida should strengthen its commitment to prevention through science-based education and ensuring equitable vaccine access.
As trusted health-care providers, we know that families want safe schools and reliable protections for their children. Vaccine requirements provide exactly that. Eliminating them would fuel dangerous misinformation and leave Florida’s children vulnerable to diseases we have the power to prevent.
We cannot afford to undo decades of progress or gamble with children’s lives. Florida’s children deserve the protection that only evidence-based public health policies can provide. The choice before our leaders is clear: Stand with science, stand with children’s health, and reject this reckless proposal.
Valerie Martinez is a pediatric nurse practitioner and immediate past president of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). The column is cosigned by other members of the Florida and Florida Gulf Coast chapters of NAPNAP.
