Florida’s children deserve to grow up healthy, safe, and protected by the best medical knowledge available — not placed at risk by policies that weaken longstanding public health safeguards.

SB 1756 would expand vaccine exemptions for K-12 students by creating a broad new “conscience” category. It would also strip the Florida Surgeon General of the authority to require vaccines during a public health emergency and allow ivermectin to be distributed over-the-counter with legal immunity for pharmacists. Even some lawmakers in the bill’s own party have expressed concern that these changes could put vulnerable children at risk and open the door to the return of diseases that previous generations worked hard to eliminate.

Vaccination requirements for school attendance were put in place for one reason: to protect children. They protect newborns too young to be vaccinated. They protect children with cancer, autoimmune disorders, or other medical conditions that make them especially vulnerable. They protect classrooms so teachers can focus on education, not outbreaks.

Florida families need decisions grounded in credible, science-based medical guidance. And they need schools to be safe environments for learning.

We urge the Florida Legislature to reject SB 1756 and any companion legislation that weakens school immunization standards or undermines established public health protections. Protect children. Protect medically vulnerable families. Keep Florida’s health policies rooted in evidence and focused on the wellbeing of every child.