Sun | Jul 5, 2026

Florida recommends against COVID vaccines for healthy kids

Published:Tuesday | March 8, 2022 | 5:03 PM
Florida Surgeon General Dr Joseph A. Ladapo (left) speaking at a news conference with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (right) Monday, January 3, 2022, at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ladapo says the state will formally recommend against COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children. Ladapo made the announcement at a roundtable event organised by DeSantis that featured a group of doctors who criticised coronavirus lockdowns and mandate policies. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Surgeon General Dr Joseph Ladapo on Tuesday released guidance recommending against vaccinations for healthy children, contradicting federal public health leaders whose advice says all kids should get the shots.

The new state Department of Health guidance says healthy children ages five to 17 may not benefit from receiving the vaccine.

Children with underlying health conditions or comorbidities should consider a COVID-19 vaccine in consultation with their health care provider, the guidance said.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends coronavirus vaccines for everyone five years and older, saying the shots provide strong protection against hospitalisation and death.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in children as young as five based on a study showing the child-size doses were 91% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.

Ladapo previewed the guidance Monday during a roundtable discussion organised by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis where speakers criticised virus lockdowns and mandate policies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and its Florida chapter on Monday issued written statements reiterating support for vaccinating eligible children age five and older against COVID-19.

“Vaccines have the power to stop epidemics. Children make up a significant part of our population, and vaccinating children must be part of our strategy to control this virus so it cannot continue to spread,” said Dr Moira Szilagyi, the national group's president.

DeSantis, who is running for reelection and is considered to be a possible 2024 presidential candidate, has become popular in the GOP in part because of his opposition to federal public health rules on the coronavirus.

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