In late August, the Florida Department of Health filed a proposed rule change that eliminates four vaccines currently required by rule (not law) for school entry/childcare attendance: varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), and Pneumococcal Conjugate. 

Another proposed change is to expand the exemption to include “a sincerely held moral or ethical belief.” There are many reasons why this change would negatively affect the health of our children and of our entire community. 

 Although the time for public comment to the Department of Health has ended, there are still ways to oppose this change: 

1. Email the Florida Department of Health. Go to https://www.floridahealth.gov/about-us/contact-us/

2. Talk to your physician and/or your child’s or grandchild’s pediatrician to ask their stance on vaccines. If they oppose the change, ask them to send a comment to FDOH at the link above or through their medical specialty organization.

3. Request that the FDOH hold public hearings throughout the state so citizens can express their opinions.