Mon Sep 23 21:27:01 UTC 2024: ## Florida Surgeon General Urges Residents to Shun COVID-19 Boosters, Sparking Outrage
**ST. PETERSBURG, FL** – Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, has sparked widespread outrage by urging residents, particularly older Floridians and those at high risk, to avoid most COVID-19 booster shots. He claims the boosters are potentially dangerous and makes a series of false or unproven claims about their efficacy and safety.
The bulletin issued by Ladapo, a DeSantis appointee, echoes anti-vaccine rhetoric found on websites known to spread misinformation. Experts denounce the message as politically motivated fearmongering that undermines efforts to protect against serious diseases like measles and whooping cough.
“This is a litany of lies out of the antivaxxer playbook,” said John Moore, a microbiology professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.
The Florida bulletin falsely claims that the new mRNA boosters target a viral variant, omicron, that is no longer circulating widely. It also alleges the vaccines could threaten the integrity of the human genome.
The CDC and FDA, along with several prominent medical professionals, strongly disagree with Ladapo’s claims. They emphasize that the boosters have met rigorous scientific standards and are essential for maintaining immunity against COVID-19.
“The vaccines met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards,” said Cherie Duvall-Jones, an FDA spokesperson. “We strongly encourage people to get boosted.”
This incident has raised concerns about the influence of political agendas on public health decisions. Many experts criticize the Florida Medical Association for its silence on Ladapo’s actions.
“What you see is a pattern of fear and neglect of professional responsibilities across the state,” said Jeffrey Goldhagen, a pediatrician and professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville.
The Florida Health Care Association declined to comment on the bulletin, while LeadingAge Southeast, a nursing home chain, encouraged providers to engage with their residents and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.
This controversial guidance comes at a time when COVID-19 vaccination has become a partisan issue. The incident highlights the urgent need for clear and accurate information about vaccines, particularly in a climate of misinformation and political manipulation.
First Piper 