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CNN Clash Over Florida Child Vaccine Mandates Centers on CDC Trust

The exchange highlighted how oversight findings plus rising childhood disease rates are driving new fights over mandates.

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Overview

  • On CNN’s NewsNight, Dr. Chris T. Pernell of the NAACP Center for Health Equity called Florida’s move to end vaccine mandates for young children reckless and warned it would heighten risks for low‑income families.
  • Conservative podcaster Ben Ferguson argued the CDC lost public trust and accused officials of lying about masks, distancing, and COVID‑19 vaccine effectiveness, claims Pernell rejected as misinformation.
  • Host Abby Phillip cited recent signals of concern, noting a jump in measles cases from 13 in 2020 to 1,400 in 2025, increased whooping cough, and higher vaccine exemption rates since 2019.
  • Participants referenced official inquiries, including a December 2024 House report alleging AFT influence on CDC school guidance and a May 2025 Senate interim report flagging early myocarditis and pericarditis signals and stating vaccines did not stop transmission.
  • Panelists agreed vaccines remain available in Florida despite the mandate change, but they disagreed sharply over whether trust and uptake will fall without requirements.