NASW-Florida Statement on Florida Mandate to Remove Vaccine Requirements

The National Association of Social Workers - Florida Chapter (NASW-FL) is deeply concerned about the recent announcement that Florida may eliminate vaccine requirements in statute. Public policy must be guided by medical expertise and scientific evidence, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

According to the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, only 89 percent of kindergarteners were vaccinated in 2024-well below the 95 percent threshold required to prevent outbreaks of highly contagious diseases such as measles. If vaccine requirements are eliminated, schools could become a central location for infectious diseases, leading to increased absenteeism. School social workers address academic and family disruptions on a daily basis, fearing that academic and developmental gains could be lost if schools must close to limit exposure to preventable diseases.

Medical social workers and hospital case managers help families navigate complex discharges, insurance barriers, and scarce community resources. These professionals are aware of the costs associated with increased outbreaks. Preventable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, lead to increased emergency visits and hospital stays, resulting in substantial healthcare costs. Research from Johns Hopkins and the National Institutes of Health found that 71 measles cases in Washington State resulted in an estimated cost to the health system of $30,000 to $50,000 per case. For Florida's multigenerational households, which represent over 300,000 families, a single infection can place children, older adults, and caregivers at risk simultaneously.

We believe that vaccines are among the most effective tools in protecting children and families from severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. In a state with millions of visitors and many multigenerational families, eliminating requirements threatens not only public health but also family stability and community wellbeing.

NASW-FL urges all Floridians to contact their state legislators and support the continuation of vaccine requirements. Protecting vaccines is not a partisan issue. Guided by science and committed to reducing health disparities, social workers know that maintaining strong vaccine protections is essential to safeguarding Florida's future.