printable version
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2025
Contact: Kate McDuffie
National Association of School Nurses
kmcduffie@nasn.org
SILVER SPRING, MD — The Florida Association of School Nurses (FASN) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) strongly oppose the recent announcement by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo to eliminate vaccine mandates across the state, including those required for school entry.
Vaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements in American history. It has eradicated or dramatically reduced the spread of numerous deadly and debilitating diseases. Thanks to vaccines, countless children—and vulnerable populations such as immunocompromised individuals and older adults—have been protected from preventable illnesses.
School vaccine requirements are a critical part of this success. When children are vaccinated, the risk of outbreaks in schools and the broader community is significantly reduced. This keeps students healthy and in school, allows parents to remain at work, and helps protect teachers and community members from infectious diseases.
Florida’s decision comes at a troubling time. Just last year, the United States experienced its largest measles outbreak in decades—resulting in three deaths, including two children. Measles is a disease that was previously declared eliminated in the U.S., and its return is a warning of what’s at stake when vaccination rates decline.
Without continued vigilance and strong immunization policies, diseases once under control will re-emerge, putting our children and communities at serious risk. FASN and NASN urge Florida’s leaders to prioritize the health and safety of all students by maintaining evidence-based vaccine requirements.
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About NASN
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) is a nonprofit specialty nursing organization, organized in 1968 and incorporated in 1977, representing school nurses exclusively. NASN has more than 18,000 members. The mission of NASN is to optimize student health and learning by advancing the practice of school nursing. To learn more about NASN, please visit us on the Web at www.nasn.org or call 866-627-6767.
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