FLORIDA (Transatlantic Today) – With a growing proportion of health authorities coming forward to harshly oppose Florida’s plan to recommend against vaccinating healthy kids for COVID-19, there is significant backlash among the medical community.
Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, Florida’s Surgeon General, revealed on Monday that his state would be the 1st in the US to issue such a formal advice.
The Florida Health Department would be the first state to advise against the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children, according to Ladapo, who spoke at the end of a 90-minute discussion panel in West Palm Beach, Florida, held by Governor Ron DeSantis and intended to bring the COVID theater to a close once and for all.
However, several of the country’s top health professionals quickly voiced their displeasure.
The decision was labeled “irresponsible” by the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Florida branch, which reaffirmed that the COVID vaccine is still the country’s greatest option for stopping the pandemic.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have been outspoken in their endorsement for pediatric COVID-19 immunizations, reassuring parents that genuine data has shown that vaccines are effective and safe in protecting children against severe illness as well as possible future effects from the virus.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America, which called the action “disturbing,” also published a forceful statement against it.
Dr. David R. Nelson, president of UF Health and senior vice president for health affairs at the University of Florida, where Ladapo is a professor, is one of the other voices in the chorus of worries.
Nelson cited strong support among health professionals for COVID-19 immunizations in youngsters in a statement issued Tuesday.
Although there might be considerable disagreement in the public debate around COVID-19 at points, Nelson highlighted that the notion of scientifically reasonable, evidence-based medical judgments remains vital.
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, also slammed Florida’s move, telling reporters that it was “absolutely not” a good idea.
The Florida Health Department, on the other hand, reaffirmed its support for the surgeon general’s recommendation, stating ABC News that healthy children are unlikely to benefit from the presently available COVID-19 vaccination.
