Global health expert, pediatric infectious disease specialist explain risks of eliminating vaccine mandates for children
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – While Florida and other Republican strongholds are working to eliminate vaccine mandates , other states are forming a public health alliance to provide credible information about vaccine safety.
RELATED: Health experts voice concerns as Florida plans to become first state to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates
And there is turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Health experts say the desire to please a political base may compromise public health and safety.
Morning Blend Start your morning with our daily forecast, trending news and stories curated by The Morning Show team.
Sarah McCool, the Director of Global Health Initiatives at Georgia State University, joined us on The Morning Show to talk about the potential of our children and the nation being at risk if vaccine mandates are eliminated.
RELATED: What polls show about Americans’ views on childhood vaccine mandates
Also, Dr. Mobeen Rathore, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, explained the risks to children and families, shared more about recent local cases, and outlined what the change could mean for vaccine access in the state.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Bruce Hamilton headshot
This Emmy Award-winning television, radio and newspaper journalist has anchored The Morning Show for 18 years.
Jennifer Waugh headshot
Jennifer, who anchors The Morning Shows and is part of the I-TEAM, loves working in her hometown of Jacksonville.
Council President says Inspector General is looking into ‘serious allegations’ related to JEA ▶ 0:52
Council President says Inspector General is looking into ‘serious allegations’ related to JEA
Jacksonville Beach police plan heavy deployment for takeover event near pier on Saturday ▶ 0:37
Jacksonville Beach police plan heavy deployment for takeover event near pier on Saturday
Runners flock to Gate River Run expo by the thousands as event expects to see record turnout ▶ 2:03
Runners flock to Gate River Run expo by the thousands as event expects to see record turnout
Jacksonville lawyers warn homeowners after state sues roofing company ▶ 0:41
Jacksonville lawyers warn homeowners after state sues roofing company
Jacksonville Zoo opens Manatee River project ▶ 0:42
Jacksonville Zoo opens Manatee River project
I feel raindrops! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are riding the sea breeze! ▶ 0:41
I feel raindrops! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are riding the sea breeze!
I feel rain drops! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are riding the sea breeze! ▶ 0:41
I feel rain drops! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are riding the sea breeze!
Longer yellow lights, digital ID protections included in proposed Florida transportation bill ▶ 0:51
Longer yellow lights, digital ID protections included in proposed Florida transportation bill
FSCJ Manta Rays reach NJCAA mascot final; community urged to vote ▶ 0:33
FSCJ Manta Rays reach NJCAA mascot final; community urged to vote
Teachers raise alarm over bill requiring unions to show support from 50% of employees ▶ 1:18
Teachers raise alarm over bill requiring unions to show support from 50% of employees
St. Johns County Sergeant who pulled driver from fiery I-95 crash recounts rescue ▶ 1:13
St. Johns County Sergeant who pulled driver from fiery I-95 crash recounts rescue
Jacksonville’s PATH program shows early progress reducing downtown homelessness ▶ 1:48
Jacksonville’s PATH program shows early progress reducing downtown homelessness
It's gonna be warm! Start hydrating early for Gate River Run ▶ 0:52
It's gonna be warm! Start hydrating early for Gate River Run
Justice 4 All: How proposed legislation could impact homeowners with pools ▶ 1:12
Justice 4 All: How proposed legislation could impact homeowners with pools
Mayor Deegan approves 3 a.m. alcohol sales downtown; some News4JAX viewers question safety ▶ 0:45
Mayor Deegan approves 3 a.m. alcohol sales downtown; some News4JAX viewers question safety
How Florida’s fishing license change could impact tourists ▶ 0:38
How Florida’s fishing license change could impact tourists
Big changes runners need to know for Gate River Run Expo ▶ 1:00
Big changes runners need to know for Gate River Run Expo
Man charged after 1 killed, 2 wounded by gunfire at construction site in St. Johns County ▶ 1:12
Man charged after 1 killed, 2 wounded by gunfire at construction site in St. Johns County
One person dead, 2 more sent to hospital after argument turns into fight in St. Johns County ▶ 1:03
One person dead, 2 more sent to hospital after argument turns into fight in St. Johns County
Bus company confirms driver removed from service after unauthorized person boards school bus ▶ 1:35
Bus company confirms driver removed from service after unauthorized person boards school bus
Oceanway residents disappointed in committee’s decision to approve storage unit development ▶ 0:22
Oceanway residents disappointed in committee’s decision to approve storage unit development
UNF poll finds that Florida voters are split on Trump's immigration policy ▶ 0:52
UNF poll finds that Florida voters are split on Trump's immigration policy
Happy clouds on a Happy Humpday. When will we get some rain? ▶ 0:51
Happy clouds on a Happy Humpday. When will we get some rain?
Photos show Jacksonville-based Navy ships, helicopters playing key roles in ‘Operation Epic Fury ▶ 1:08
Photos show Jacksonville-based Navy ships, helicopters playing key roles in ‘Operation Epic Fury
How the Middle East conflict will affect travel ▶ 1:12
How the Middle East conflict will affect travel
Previous photo Next photo