Florida health officials say they are working to eliminate vaccine mandates, though students are still required to have certain immunizations to attend school.

At a news conference in Valrico on Wednesday, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said the government should not decide what people put in their bodies. He announced plans to move toward ending vaccine mandates but did not provide a timeline. If the changes take effect, Florida would be the first state to do so.

Current School Vaccine Requirements

According to the Florida Department of Health, children in kindergarten through 12th grade must have six vaccines, while children in childcare and preschool need seven. Five vaccines are the same for both groups.

For K–12 students:

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): 4–5 doses
• IPV (Polio): 4–5 doses
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis booster): 1 dose (often required by 7th grade)
• Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses, unless child has documented disease

For childcare and preschool students:

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): 4–5 doses
• IPV (Polio): 4–5 doses
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b): required
• PCV15/20 (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine): required
• Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses, unless child has documented disease

Exemptions

Florida law allows exemptions for religious or medical reasons. Parents may obtain a religious exemption by completing a form through a county health department. A licensed health care provider can also grant a temporary or permanent medical exemption.

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