Bulwark Takes Measles Outbreaks Loom as Florida Scraps Vaccine Mandates
Sep 4, 2025
Jonathan Cohn, author of *Breakdown*, joins Sam Stein to discuss Florida's shocking decision to remove vaccine mandates for children. They delve into the dire public health implications of rising vaccine hesitancy, especially how it threatens communal safety. Cohn highlights the troubling political climate fueling skepticism among Republicans toward childhood vaccinations. Historical lessons from past outbreaks, like the infamous Disney measles incident, underscore the urgent need for trust in vaccines, as the potential fallout looms large.
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Florida Moves To End School Vaccine Mandates
- Florida's leaders announced a push to eliminate childhood vaccine mandates statewide.
- If passed, Florida would be the first U.S. state to reject long-standing school vaccination requirements.
Rhetoric Lowers Vaccination Rates Quickly
- Jonathan Cohn warns that rhetoric alone reduces vaccination uptake and raises outbreak risk.
- He points to recent U.S. outbreaks and child deaths as the likely consequence of declining vaccination.
Consider Community Risk, Not Just Personal Choice
- Do not treat vaccination as merely a private choice because vaccines protect more than the individual.
- Consider community risks like imperfect vaccine protection and transmission to vulnerable people.