Overview
- State health officials formally proposed dropping school entry requirements for the varicella, Hepatitis B, Hib and pneumococcal vaccines.
- The Department of Health can remove these four mandates by rule without legislative approval, while other vaccine requirements remain set in statute.
- Public comment is open through Dec. 22 as health and economic impact reviews proceed, and the rule could take effect by spring 2026 if finalized.
- Florida recorded 705 chickenpox cases last year, with Pinellas County reporting the highest number of infections.
- Pediatric infectious-disease specialists say eliminating the requirements would increase risks of complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis and meningitis and reduce protection for children who cannot be vaccinated.