Florida is working to end its vaccine mandates. Here’s what Canadians should know

In this file photo ,Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, front left, gestures as speaks to supporters and members of the media before a bill signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis, front right, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brandon, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

The government of Florida has announced plans to end all vaccine mandates for children in a move some experts say brings widespread health risks both for local residents and visitors to the state.

Here’s what Canadians should know:

What is changing?

Currently, school children in Florida are required to undergo a series of vaccinations throughout their development, including for measles, mumps and rubella, chicken pox, hepatitis B and other diseases.

Vaccine requirements are tied to eligibility for schools and daycare centres, though exemptions exist for students who are medically unable to receive vaccines, or on religious grounds.

Similar rules are in place in Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba, with varying scope. Health Canada maintains an interactive tool for reviewing immunization schedules by age and region here.

If successful, Florida’s planned repeal of vaccine mandates would strip those requirements, leaving the decision to vaccinate children to their parents or guardians.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo did not specify a timeline, but noted that scrapping some mandates would require the help of the state legislature, while others could be cancelled by his department directly.

What are the health impacts?

In a statement Thursday, three senior members of the American College of Physicians described the policy change in dire terms.

“The plans announced by Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, to end vaccine mandates across the state will put the lives and well-being of Floridians, visitors to the state, and individuals across the country in jeopardy,” it reads.

“Vaccines are one of our most effective tools for protecting public health. Vaccines save lives and decreasing vaccination rates will kill people.”

In the days since, similar statements have emerged from both the American and Canadian Medical Associations, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

The World Health Organization estimates that over the past 50 years, at least 154 million lives have been saved by global immunization efforts. A study last year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in the last three decades, more than 500 million lifetime illnesses and 1.1 million childhood deaths in the country were prevented by vaccines.

Experts note that a reduction in vaccination rates would impact not just those who choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children, but also the immunocompromised and those who are unable to receive immunizations due to chronic health conditions, and infants still too young to begin their vaccine schedule.

“Vaccine requirements are a proven safeguard that protect not only children, but entire communities including those whose health depends on collective immunity from dangerous outbreaks,” SHEA’s Thursday statement reads.

Canadian health officials note that maintaining the herd immunity required to guard against the measles virus, for example, requires 95 per cent of a population to be vaccinated against the condition.

What should travellers know?

Travel and Tourism Canada maintains two global safety advisories related to vaccinations: one for measles and another for COVID-19.

Canadians planning to go abroad, including for trips to the United States, are warned to consult their health-care provider well in advance and review their vaccination records to ensure they and their families are up to date.

For those travelling with infants, early vaccination may be recommended for children as young as six months, the department notes.

While travelling, individuals are advised to monitor their health, practice public health measures such as hand-washing and to follow local guidelines.

Those who experience symptoms of measles or COVID-19 abroad should wear a well-fitting respirator mask during their return trip to Canada, limit contact with others and inform flight or cruise crew as well as border officials at their first opportunity.

“The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety,” reads Canada’s U.S. travel advisory.

“Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada.”

With files from The Associated Press