Florida ‘Puts Data Over Ideology’ in Opposing COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children: State’s Surgeon General

Florida's Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo speaks during a press conference at the University of Miami Health System Don Soffer Clinical Research Center in Miami, Florida, on May 17, 2022. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Florida is defending its decision not to preorder COVID-19 vaccines for young children or vaccinating them, after drawing criticism from the White House.

“Did the COVID-19 vaccine trials for kids <5 show a reduction in severe illness? Did the trials show a benefit for those with a prior COVID-19 infection? Is there a benefit for kids with no pre-existing conditions?” wrote Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo on Twitter on June 18. Ladapo also serves as the state’s health secretary.