Florida’s new COVID booster guidance is straight-up misinformation

The Florida health department is spreading misinformation about COVID-19 booster shots, telling older Floridians to avoid them. This message has been criticized by clinicians and scientists as politically motivated scaremongering that weakens efforts to protect against diseases like measles and whooping cough. The state’s Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, has been slow to counter anti-vaccine messages. The bulletin contains false claims about the safety and efficacy of mRNA COVID vaccines and urges residents to shun FDA-approved vaccinations. This unprecedented move has been condemned by medical experts and public health officials. Vaccine historians have never seen a state health leader advise against recommended vaccinations. The bulletin makes baseless claims about booster shots, which have been refuted by experts. Ladapo’s statements have raised concerns about misinformation and disinformation in the current age.