So far, Florida has failed to end vaccine mandates. Now there's a last-ditch effort

So far, Florida has failed to end vaccine mandates. Now there's a last-ditch effort April 28, 20265:00 AM ET From By  Kerry Sheridan Larry Downs of Pensacola, Fla., speaks out against childhood vaccine mandates at a public hearing held by Florida's Department of Health on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in Panama City Beach, Fla. Kate Payne/AP hide caption toggle caption Kate Payne/AP Every state, as well as D.C., requires children to obtain certain vaccinations before they can attend school or childcare. These mandates date back decades, and are considered a foundational bulwark of public health defense against infectious disease. This story was produced in partnership with KFF Health News. Since last summer, Florida's leaders have aimed to be the first state to drop some of those vaccine mandates. The anti-vaccine rhetoric, and the efforts to revise laws and regulations, rumbled along at the state health department, and in the legislature. But by March, the fight seemed to have stalled out. But the story may not be over. On April 15, Governor Ron DeSantis called for a legislative special session, which starts today and runs through Friday. There are only 3 items on the agenda: Congressional redistricting, potential protections from AI, and "medical freedom" around vaccines. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo speaks during a Patient Freedom news conference on March 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. Chris O'Meara/AP hide caption toggle caption Chris O'Meara/AP The outcome could help predict the chances of success for similar movements in other states. An Associated Press analysis found at least 350 anti-vaccine bills were introduced in state legislatures last year. Many focused on relaxing requirements for vaccines in schools. Sponsor Message Ladapo: Mandates are bodily 'slavery' On Sept. 3, Gov. DeSantis and Florida's surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, held a press conference at a private Christian school east of Tampa. Ladapo declared the state would work to end all vaccine...