Florida considers ending school vaccine mandates—AAP shares concerns for kids

Florida could soon become the first state to eliminate all vaccine mandates, including requirements for school entry. State officials announced the proposed policy shift last week, a move that has raised concerns from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about potential health risks for children, families, and schools.

For parents, that raises important questions: what does this change mean for kids in the classroom, and how can families stay protected if the policy moves forward?

What Florida announced

At a press conference, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said the state would move to end all vaccine mandates, including those for school entry. 

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, currently, all 50 states require certain vaccines for K-12 school attendance, with exemptions that vary by state (all allow medical exemptions; many allow religious and some allow philosophical exemptions).

Florida’s current school-entry requirements include vaccines such as DTaP, polio (IPV), MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella.

About 5.1% of Florida kindergartners had exemptions last school year—above the national rate of ~3.6%—and most Florida exemptions were nonmedical, according to CDC.

Related: Calming your concerns: how on-time vaccinations protect your child

Why pediatricians are concerned

The AAP says school vaccine requirements are among the strongest safeguards against outbreaks. “When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it is harder for diseases to spread and easier for everyone to continue learning and having fun,” AAP President Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP said in the AAP release.

Rolling back requirements could mean more illness-related absences for children and missed work for caregivers, with broader ripple effects—concerns echoed by the AAP.

Research supports the benefits: a 2024 CDC analysis estimated routine childhood vaccines (1994–2023 births) prevented ~508 million lifetime illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1.13 million deaths in the U.S. 

What this could mean for families

If Florida removes school vaccine requirements, experts warn of more outbreaks of preventable illnesses (e.g., measles, pertussis, chickenpox), with risks for children too young to be fully vaccinated and those who are immunocompromised. 

Florida also has a large older-adult population (about 21.3% are 65+), and grandparents frequently help with caregiving—another reason outbreaks can ripple beyond classrooms. 

For parents, that could mean more missed school days and missed work, adding strain to already tight schedules. 

Related: Navigating Vaccination: Tips and Information for Moms

What parents can do

Regardless of policy shifts, keeping kids up to date on vaccinations remains one of the most effective ways to protect them. Beyond following the schedule, here are some practical steps families can take:

• Check your child’s record regularly. Compare your child’s vaccination history against the CDC’s 2025 immunization schedule and ask your pediatrician to flag any gaps.
• Book well-child visits on time. Many vaccines are given at annual checkups. Sticking to these appointments makes it easier to stay on track and catch up if something was missed.
• Ask about combination shots. If your child is behind, combination vaccines can safely cover multiple protections in fewer visits—reducing stress for both kids and parents.
• Know your school’s requirements. Even if state laws change, many schools and childcare centers may still require certain vaccines to keep classrooms safe. Confirm the latest policy before the school year starts.
• Lean on trusted resources. If you’re unsure or nervous, bring questions to your child’s pediatrician, a local health department, or the AAP’s parent immunization site. Having personalized guidance can ease anxiety.

Keeping children and families safe together

Policy changes can feel overwhelming, but families are not powerless. Staying informed, consulting trusted pediatricians, and following recommended schedules are still the surest ways to keep kids safe, schools open, and communities healthy.

Because every parent deserves to know their child is safe at school.

Sources:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. “Florida efforts to end vaccine mandates endanger children, will have ‘ripple effects’”
2. National Conference of State Legislatures. “Brief State Non-Medical Exemptions From School Immunization Requirements”
3. Florida Department of Health. “School Immunization Requirements”
4. CDC. “Vaccination Coverage and Exemptions among Kindergartners”
5. American Academy of Pediatrics. “Florida efforts to end vaccine mandates endanger children, will have ‘ripple effects’”
6. American Academy of Pediatrics. “Study: Childhood vaccines prevented 1.13 million deaths, saved $2.7 trillion over 3 decade”
7. PRB.  “Which U.S. States Have the Oldest Populations?”
8. CDC. 2025. Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (Addendum updated August 7, 2025)