(The Hill) – President Trump on Friday expressed concerns about Florida’s decision to consider ending school vaccine mandates, describing it as a “very tough position” and noting that some vaccines are widely accepted.
“I think we need to exercise caution. There are some vaccines that are incredibly vital,” Trump mentioned to reporters in the Oval Office, referring to the polio vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine, which was developed during his presidency.
“There are vaccines that are truly remarkable. We need to be cautious in deciding who might be exempt from vaccination,” Trump continued. “It’s a complex stance. I learned about it yesterday, and it’s a challenging issue.”
“Look, there are vaccines that are effective. They simply work. They aren’t controversial, and I believe such vaccines should be utilized; otherwise, people risk contracting diseases and posing danger to others,” Trump added. “In cases where there is no controversy, I think vaccination is necessary.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the decision on Wednesday, with Ladapo drawing a comparison between vaccine mandates and slavery.
Ladapo said his department will repeal what mandates are under his control, and the state legislature will have to take care of the rest.
Florida’s school districts, similar to those nationwide, require vaccination for polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, pertussis, mumps, tetanus, and other infectious diseases.
The decision comes as vaccination rates among children are already on the decline and as the federal government has taken the COVID-19 vaccine off the recommended list for healthy children.
Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has expressed anti-vaccine views for years. Throughout his tenure, he has unilaterally changed recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines, cut funding for mRNA research, purged influential members of then Centers for Disesae Control and Prevention vaccine advisory panel and hinted at major changes to the childhood vaccine schedule.
He has faced criticism for Democrats and even some Republicans who voted to confirm him over the moves.
