Louisiana Ends Promotion of Mass Vaccination, Citing Public Trust Concerns

State officials emphasize individual choice over collective campaigns, drawing criticism from public health advocates.

Louisiana's Department of Health announced it will no longer promote mass vaccination efforts, such as media campaigns and health fairs, as per a memo from Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham.
The policy shift is framed as a response to perceived public distrust stemming from COVID-19 vaccination mandates and aims to prioritize patient-provider discussions on vaccine decisions.
Critics, including public health experts and advocacy groups, warn that the decision could lead to lower vaccination rates, increased preventable illnesses, and greater strain on healthcare systems.
The announcement coincided with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, being sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Trump's administration.
New Orleans, which operates an independent health department, has pledged to continue promoting vaccinations, highlighting concerns over the potential spread of misinformation and declining immunization rates.