In a bold move that contradicts federal health recommendations, Florida's leadership under Gov. Ron DeSantis is now advising those under the age of 65 to steer clear of the new COVID-19 vaccine boosters from Pfizer and Moderna.
Defying Federal Guidance
Florida's Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, stated during a recent online panel led by Gov. DeSantis that he had directed their department to provide guidance that recommends and advises against the use of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for anyone under 65. This decision challenges the directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Just a day earlier, the CDC had recommended that everyone 6 months and older should consider the new booster, especially if they haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the last two months. The primary goal of this booster is to combat the omicron subvariant, XBB.1.5.
National Response and Florida's Divergence
While the CDC continues to uphold that vaccination remains our best defense against COVID-19, especially concerning hospitalization, deaths, and the dreaded 'long COVID, Ladapo questions the logic. He pointed to the widespread immunity in the population and voiced concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines for the younger populace and those not considered high-risk.
In stark contrast, CDC Director Mandy Cohen labeled Florida's stance "dangerous". Cohen staunchly defended the updated COVID-19 vaccine, saying that it is proven safe, it is effective, and it has been thoroughly and independently reviewed by the FDA and CDC.
This isn't the first time DeSantis' administration has rocked the boat when it comes to federal guidelines related to COVID-19 vaccines. In fact, his opposition to some federal mandates has catapulted him into the limelight, especially among national Republican circles.
Once a supporter of COVID-19 vaccines, DeSantis has now positioned his administration around skepticism surrounding the safety and efficacy of these vaccines, a view not endorsed by the majority of the scientific community.
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Political Repercussions Amidst Health Concerns
DeSantis' recent pronouncements and his continued emphasis on the purported dangers of the COVID-19 vaccine seem to be twofold: a genuine concern for Floridians and a strategic move to establish a distinct political identity, especially as he seems to challenge former President Donald Trump despite lagging in the polls.
The recent boosters are, in essence, an upgraded form of the original mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
Over the past few years, the U.S. has rolled out hundreds of millions of these vaccines with minimal safety concerns. But it's worth noting that both vaccines have shown a slight risk of myocarditis among teenage boys. However, even for this group, the CDC believes the rewards outweigh the risks.
Both Moderna and Pfizer have showcased data affirming the efficacy and safety of their boosters.
Moderna's results stem from human trials, revealing enhanced antibody defenses against several coronavirus subvariants. Pfizer's data, based on lab studies with mice, indicates a similar uptick in antibody response. But the Florida Department of Health remains skeptical, indicating in a press release that the booster's approval seemingly lacked "meaningful booster-specific clinical trial data performed in humans."
As the world grapples with the evolving threat of COVID-19, states like Florida are taking a stand, whether driven by science, politics, or a blend of both.
