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ACIP Chair Says Polio and Measles Vaccines Should Be Optional as Florida Moves to Loosen Requirements

His stance prioritizing individual refusal over community risk has intensified concern during a widening measles surge.

Credit: March of Dimes
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 13: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before Kennedy is sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Oval Office at the White House on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. Kennedy, who faced criticism for his past comments on vaccine, was confirmed by the Senate 52 to 48. Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was the only Republican to vote against him. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Overview

  • In a podcast, Dr. Kirk Milhoan said a person’s right to reject vaccines outweighs transmission risks and acknowledged some children could die or be paralyzed.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., confirmed 52–48 to lead federal health agencies, appointed Milhoan, and the CDC reduced the recommended childhood vaccine list from 17 to 11 under the new leadership.
  • Florida’s surgeon general has reportedly delisted four school-required vaccines and is seeking broader repeals subject to legislative action.
  • Florida lawmakers are weighing HB 917 and SB 1756 to create a “conscience” exemption for school vaccinations, with SB 1756 advancing on a 6–4 Senate Health Policy vote.
  • Separate bills, HB 339 and SB 408, would allow advertising-based lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, and SB 408 passed a Senate committee 5–3 despite staff warnings of conflict with federal law, as Spartanburg County, South Carolina, reports more than 600 measles cases.