Florida Advises Against mRNA COVID Vaccines for Vulnerable Residents, Despite CDC Recommendations
As COVID cases remain high in Florida despite a recent summer wave, Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration is once again going against recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by advising against the use of mRNA COVID vaccines for vulnerable residents. Updated guidance released Thursday by the Florida Health Department and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo expresses concerns about the safety and effectiveness of mRNA COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, specifically for older adults and people with underlying health conditions. This recommendation contradicts advice from federal health agencies and other medical experts who continue to highlight the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, particularly in high-risk individuals.
Key Takeaways:
- Florida is recommending against mRNA COVID vaccines for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, despite CDC recommendations supporting their use.
- The state cites concerns about potential side effects like myocarditis and POTS, but studies show the risk of these conditions is considerably higher with COVID infection itself.
- Experts warn of the potential dangers of this guidance, particularly for vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of severe illness and death from COVID.
- The Florida Health Department is facing criticism for its decision, with many calling for a more evidence-based approach to vaccination recommendations.
Ignoring Evidence: Concerns Over mRNA Vaccines
The Florida Health Department claims its recommendation is based on high rates of immunity from prior infections and "currently available data." However, the guidance fails to acknowledge the well-documented high risk of serious COVID infection and hospitalization for older adults. Instead, the department lists potential risks associated with mRNA vaccines, including the rare heart condition myocarditis, and POTS, a debilitating heart condition.
While it is true that numerous studies have shown a small but increased risk of myocarditis following mRNA vaccination, particularly in young men, the vast majority of individuals make a full recovery. Importantly, these studies also demonstrate that the risk of myocarditis is significantly higher after COVID infection and can be more severe than the vaccine-associated condition.
Furthermore, a study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research found that individuals diagnosed with COVID are five times more likely to develop POTS after infection compared to after COVID vaccination. This finding underscores the protective nature of COVID vaccination against this debilitating health issue.
Expert Criticism and Potential Consequences
Dr. Paul Offit, a renowned vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, criticizes Florida’s guidance as unnecessarily alarming the public about the safety of COVID vaccines. He highlights the stark contrast in risk, stating that "You only have a roughly 1,000 times greater likelihood of dying [from COVID] if you’re over 65 than if you’re under 18." He emphasizes that mRNA vaccines are demonstrably safe and effective.
The recent approval of updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines specifically targeting the KP.2 variant offers increased protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Experts recommend these updated vaccines as the best option for continued protection against COVID.
The United States offers a single non-mRNA COVID vaccine, Novavax, providing an alternative for those unable to receive mRNA vaccines. However, the availability of Novavax is significantly lower than that of mRNA options, limiting its accessibility.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, calls Florida’s recommendation "unfortunate" and warns of its potential to put vulnerable populations at risk. He stresses that while the vaccine’s effectiveness against infection may have diminished, solid data still supports its ability to significantly reduce the risk of severe COVID complications in high-risk groups.
Ongoing COVID Surge and the Importance of Vaccination
COVID cases remain high in the United States, with 23 states, including Florida, reporting "very high" levels of the virus in wastewater data. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations are also elevated, though displaying signs of decline. Notably, COVID infections are showing an upward trend in Florida nursing homes, highlighting the ongoing threat to vulnerable populations.
The CDC strongly recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an updated COVID vaccine this fall, offering the most comprehensive protection against the currently circulating variants.
This is not the first instance of Florida disregarding CDC guidelines. Last year, the state advised against mRNA COVID vaccination for individuals under 65, citing widespread immunity and safety concerns. However, this earlier recommendation lacked credible evidence and was widely criticized by medical experts.
Florida’s continued opposition to the use of mRNA vaccines for vulnerable populations raises concerns about the potential consequences for public health. Experts worry that this misguided guidance could lead to increased hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among those most at risk of severe COVID illness.
As the pandemic evolves, a evidence-based, science-driven approach to vaccination recommendations is essential to protect the health and well-being of the public. Florida’s ongoing disregard for expert guidance and its deviation from established scientific consensus raise serious concerns about the state’s commitment to public health.
