President Trump expressed skepticism over Florida’s plan to end vaccine mandates for schoolchildren, which would make it the first state in the nation to do so.
“I think we have to be very careful. You have some vaccines that are so amazing,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, listing the polio and COVID-19 vaccines as among the most effective.
“You have some vaccines that are so incredible. I think you have to be careful when you say some people don’t have to be vaccinated,” he continued. “It’s a very tough position. Just initially, I heard about it yesterday, and it’s a tough stance.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced Wednesday that the Sunshine State would be ending the vaccine requirements to attend schools.
“Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body?” Mr. Ladapo, a vocal critic of vaccines, said during a press conference. “Your body is a gift from God.”
On Friday, Mr. Trump pushed back. He said vaccines are not controversial.
“Look, you have vaccines that work. They just pure and simple work. They’re not controversial at all, and I think those vaccines should be used. Otherwise, some people are going to catch it, and they endanger other people,” Mr. Trump said. “And when you don’t have controversy at all, I think people should take it.”
It’s unclear how the state will unwind its longstanding vaccine requirements. It would likely need approval from the state legislature, which sets the vaccine requirements for schoolchildren.
Dr. Ladapo said Wednesday that his department will repeal what mandates are under his control. School districts in Florida require students to be vaccinated for polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, pertussis, mumps, tetanus and other diseases.
