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Florida plans to eliminate school vaccine mandates for chickenpox and some other diseases within 90 days, but not for others like measles and polio. This decision, championed by Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, prioritizes parental choice, despite health experts' concerns about increased disease transmission. The change, effective after a 90-day delay, follows decades of pro-vaccination policies. While the state currently allows religious exemptions, the move counters evidence showing vaccines' effectiveness in preventing infectious diseases, particularly in children. The change only affects a limited number of vaccines initially, with lawmakers needing to act for wider changes.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.