Florida’s Republican‑led House voted down a proposal to roll back childhood vaccine mandates, ending a push championed by Health Officer Dr. Ladapo. The measure would have stripped requirements for diseases like chickenpox and hepatitis B, while broader cuts to measles, mumps and polio shots still need legislative action. The proposal followed the state’s removal of COVID‑19 testing. Governor DeSantis dismissed the defeat as “typical political shenanigans.”

Polling shows the public resists such rollbacks. A University of North Florida survey in October found 63 percent of Floridians oppose ending any vaccine mandates, with almost half strongly against. Critics argue the move threatens herd immunity, especially for illnesses like varicella, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease and Hib, which the health department still seeks to repeal. Officials warn dropping these shots could raise outbreak risk.

Ladapo responded on social media, framing the governor’s “freedom” agenda as a fight against “medical tyranny.” He urged House members to support repeal efforts, while DeSantis’ office has yet to propose new legislation. Lawmakers face pressure from medical groups to keep safeguards. With public opinion firmly against loosening rules, any future attempt must confront both voter sentiment and the legislative hurdle.