/tags/state-surgeon-general state surgeon general en-US SAąúĽĘ´«Ä± Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:52:22 GMT /health/2025-09-17/former-florida-surgeon-general-speaks-out-against-plan-to-lift-vaccine-mandates Dr. Scott Rivkees, a pediatrician who served as surgeon general from 2019 to 2021 during the COVID pandemic, says the state is going backward when it comes to childhood vaccines. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:52:22 GMT /health/2025-09-17/former-florida-surgeon-general-speaks-out-against-plan-to-lift-vaccine-mandates Kerry Sheridan /health/2025-09-12/politifact-fl-fact-checking-floridas-surgeon-general-about-the-whooping-cough-vaccine In a Sept. 7 interview on CNN’s "State of the Union," Ladapo told host Jake Tapper that his department didn’t study how ending the vaccine requirements could affect children’s health or future outbreaks. Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:35:00 GMT /health/2025-09-12/politifact-fl-fact-checking-floridas-surgeon-general-about-the-whooping-cough-vaccine Samantha Putterman | PolitiFact /health/2025-09-08/politifact-fl-school-vaccine-rules-are-not-like-slavery-fact-checking-floridas-surgeon-general Florida’s Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said the state’s health department will end "every single" school vaccine mandate. Ladapo, who has a history of spreading inaccurate vaccine claims, equated the state’s vaccine requirements with slavery. Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT /health/2025-09-08/politifact-fl-school-vaccine-rules-are-not-like-slavery-fact-checking-floridas-surgeon-general Samantha Putterman | PolitiFact /health/2025-07-18/floridas-surgeon-general-calls-for-more-study-of-people-injured-by-covid-mrna-vaccines Dr. Joseph Ladapo also praised the federal government's decision in May to no longer recommend COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:58:11 GMT /health/2025-07-18/floridas-surgeon-general-calls-for-more-study-of-people-injured-by-covid-mrna-vaccines Kerry Sheridan /local-news/2022-06-15/florida-surgeon-general-opposes-covid-19-shots-for-young-children As the Food and Drug Administration weighs approval of COVID-19 vaccinations for children under age 5, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is opposed to the potential change. Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:19:11 GMT /local-news/2022-06-15/florida-surgeon-general-opposes-covid-19-shots-for-young-children News Service of Florida /news/2022-05-06/a-column-by-floridas-former-surgeon-general-contradicts-the-states-vaccine-guidance-for-minors Dr. Scott Rivkees contradicts much of the evidence given by Florida’s health department in recommending that healthy children need not be vaccinated for COVID-19. Fri, 06 May 2022 14:32:56 GMT /news/2022-05-06/a-column-by-floridas-former-surgeon-general-contradicts-the-states-vaccine-guidance-for-minors Katrine Bruner /news/2022-03-09/floridas-new-covid-vaccine-guidance-for-healthy-kids-risks-outweigh-benefits Children with underlying health conditions should consider taking the vaccine and parents "are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits" with their doctor. Wed, 09 Mar 2022 16:30:40 GMT /news/2022-03-09/floridas-new-covid-vaccine-guidance-for-healthy-kids-risks-outweigh-benefits Carl Lisciandrello /news/2022-02-23/joseph-ladapo-confirmed-by-senate-as-florida-surgeon-general Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointment of Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo was confirmed Wednesday by the Senate, despite objections from Democrats who criticized his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wed, 23 Feb 2022 23:43:53 GMT /news/2022-02-23/joseph-ladapo-confirmed-by-senate-as-florida-surgeon-general Jim Turner | News Service of Florida /news/2022-02-16/has-floridas-surgeon-general-role-become-too-politicized-for-the-jobs-original-mission Only a few states have a surgeon general. Florida has had one since 2007, but critics say the job serving as the top advocate for wellness and disease prevention has changed because of state politics. Wed, 16 Feb 2022 15:54:54 GMT /news/2022-02-16/has-floridas-surgeon-general-role-become-too-politicized-for-the-jobs-original-mission VerĂłnica Zaragovia /2022-01-27/frustrated-democrats-walked-out-of-a-confirmation-hearing-for-floridas-surgeon-general During the hearing, Democrats on the committee became frustrated as they rephrased and re-asked questions, but said they felt they weren’t getting a direct response. Despite the protest, Republicans in the Senate Health Policy Committee voted to give Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo their support. Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:14:22 GMT /2022-01-27/frustrated-democrats-walked-out-of-a-confirmation-hearing-for-floridas-surgeon-general Regan McCarthy