FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Doctors for America
PO Box: 21161
2300 18th St NW Lbby
Washington, DC 20009-9996
October 8, 2024
RE: The Rejection of Science and Facts by the Florida Surgeon General and Governor
Washington, D.C.: Doctors for America is deeply concerned and strongly opposes the Florida Surgeon General’s misguided and dangerous recommendations discouraging the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in older adults. This vulnerable population remains at significantly higher risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death. Extensive clinical trials and real-world evidence consistently demonstrate that the mRNA vaccines are safe and provide robust protection against the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions. Public health recommendations must be grounded in evidence and truth.
The Florida Surgeon General took an oath to “first do no harm.” However, the pursuit of a political agenda that misrepresents scientific data and exploits controversial public health opinions to attract national attention does immense harm. Discouraging the use of the updated mRNA vaccines contradicts overwhelming evidence and undermines decades of progress in vaccine science and public health. Encouraging skepticism about these safe and highly effective vaccines in the most at-risk populations not only endangers individual lives but also threatens the health of our communities.
We urge policymakers to base their decisions on sound scientific evidence rather than false, alarmist claims that leave constituents – the very people that policymakers have sworn to serve – vulnerable to preventable harm. The rejection of science and facts compromises the health and well-being of Floridians. The people of Florida deserve better than to be used as pawns in a dangerous political scheme that puts lives at risk.
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About Doctors for America:
Doctors for America mobilizes doctors and medical students to be leaders in putting patients over politics to improve the health of our patients, communities, and nation. We are 27,000 physicians and medical students in all 50 states, representing all areas of specialization. Our impact areas focus on access to affordable care, community health and prevention, and health justice and equity. DFA focuses solely on what is best for our patients, not on the business side of medicine, and does not accept any funding from pharmaceutical or medical device companies; which uniquely positions DFA as the organization that puts patients over politics and patients over profits. Find out more at doctorsforamerica.org and on Twitter @drsforamerica.