{"id":10954,"date":"2025-03-19T18:25:50","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T22:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/?p=10954"},"modified":"2025-03-19T18:25:50","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T22:25:50","slug":"vaccine-exemptions-rise-in-south-florida-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/03\/19\/vaccine-exemptions-rise-in-south-florida-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"Vaccine exemptions rise in South Florida schools"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Rise of Religious Vaccine Exemptions<\/h2>\n

A growing number of Floridians are choosing not to vaccinate their children, as parts of the country are currently battling measles outbreaks. At least one measles case has been reported in South Florida.
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\nWhile most students are vaccinated in Broward and Miami-Dade schools, the number of students with religious exemptions to vaccine requirements has gone up in both counties in recent years, according to data obtained by NBC6 Investigates.<\/p>\n

The National Context<\/h2>\n

The trend is not only happening in Florida. Measles is a virus once considered eliminated in the United States. There have been cases reported in at least 15 states so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks of measles in two states have been linked to two deaths, including a child in Texas, and an adult in New Mexico who tested positive for the virus. Both were unvaccinated according to health officials.<\/p>\n

Local Impact<\/h2>\n

In early March, a student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School tested positive for measles, the school district confirmed. It\u2019s the type of news Monique Gonzalez, a mom with two kids in public schools, doesn\u2019t want to hear. \u201cThese diseases are really infectious,\u201d she said. She says she followed guidance from the family\u2019s pediatrician and vaccinated both of her kids. \u201cIt was a logical thing to do,\u201d she said, \u201cI want my kids to be healthy. I want them to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding Measles<\/h2>\n

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and even breathing. In rare cases, it can lead to serious complications, including encephalitis or even death. While the majority of parents do vaccinate their children, the number of those choosing not to is on the rise. Data from the CDC shows the percentage of children in kindergarten with a non-medical exemption is growing nationwide, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

Expert Insights<\/h2>\n

\u201cFlorida actually is amongst the leaders in vaccine exemptions,\u201d according to Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Florida, and the former director of the Duval County Health Department. He says religious exemptions have reached levels that put communities well below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergarteners needed to protect against measles outbreaks. \u201cTo a point where in fact we do not have herd immunity,\u201d he said, \u201cAnd it increases the risk not only for those individuals who are not vaccinated but for the community in general.\u201d<\/p>\n

State Response<\/h2>\n

A January report from the Florida Department of Health says religious exemptions among children ages 5 to 17 are increasing each month. Statewide, over 6% of kids have opted out of immunization by requesting religious exemptions. In some counties, it\u2019s up to nearly 15%. The department says in the report \u201cCommunities with a higher proportion of religious exemptions (REs) to vaccination are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease transmission.\u201d Florida\u2019s Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo was asked about his message for parents who have concerns about the risk of vaccine-preventable disease transmission. \u201cThe same message I\u2019ve pretty much always had,\u201d he said, \u201cWhich is that parents should be able to make the choices they want for their families, for their kids. The increase of religious exemptions is not just Florida but just around the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Addressing Misinformation<\/h2>\n

Ladapo blames the increase to health officials\u2019 response to the COVID pandemic, adding he believes they \u201csquandered\u201d trust during that period. When asked again what he wants to say to parents in Florida who are now relying on him and his department for guidance about vaccines. \u201cIn some areas, parents have had a very difficult time getting good information, getting unbiased information,\u201d he stated. Meanwhile, vaccine skepticism is reaching new highs. \u201cI do feel the misinformation that’s out there could confuse somebody,\u201d said Monique Gonzalez. \u201cThere’s been no issue in medicine that’s been studied more than vaccines,\u201d Dr. Goldhagen said, adding it\u2019s good for parents to be hesitant and ask questions, but he urges them to rely on their own trusted doctors.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The rise of religious vaccine exemptions in South Florida schools is a concerning trend that could have serious implications for public health. With measles outbreaks reported in several states and a case confirmed in Miami-Dade County, it is crucial for parents to make informed decisions about vaccinating their children. While the debate about vaccine requirements continues, health experts stress the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of diseases like measles. As Dr. Goldhagen fears, the current pattern of not vaccinating children will continue, exposing more young people to a virus that should be taken seriously. \u201cAny death of a child is serious and lamentable,\u201d he said, \u201cBut a death of a child from a preventable disease is unconscionable.\u201d<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n