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Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

March 7, 2022

Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Supports

COVID-19 Vaccine for All Eligible Children
Florida Surgeon General’s comments contradict robust evidence of
vaccine’s safety and effectiveness

TALLAHASSEE — Following a COVID-19 roundtable convened by Florida Governor

Ron DeSantis where Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo recommended against the
COVID-19 vaccine for “healthy children,” the Florida Chapter of the American Academy
of Pediatrics (FCAAP), which represents more than 2,500 pediatricians across the state,
spoke out in support of the COVID-19 vaccine for all eligible children ages 5 and older
in Florida.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is our best hope for ending the pandemic,” said FCAAP
President Lisa Gwynn, DO, MBA, MSPH, FAAP. “The Surgeon General’s comments
today misrepresent the benefits of the vaccine, which has been proven to prevent
serious illness, hospitalizations and long-term symptoms from COVID-19 in children and
adolescents, including those who are otherwise healthy. The evidence is clear that
when people are vaccinated, they are significantly less likely to get very sick and need
hospital care. There is widespread consensus among medical and public health experts
about the life-saving benefits of this vaccine.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and FCAAP both recommend that all
eligible children 5 years and older and adults get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they
can.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine

as the best way to protect every eligible child from COVID-19. Children can get sick
from COVID, and some get very sick,” said AAP President Moira Szilagyi, MD, PhD,
FAAP. “Vaccines have the power to stop epidemics. Children make up a significant part
of our population, and vaccinating children must be part of our strategy to control this
virus so it cannot continue to spread.”

“The virus is still circulating in Florida,” said Dr. Gwynn. “The vaccine offers children the
best opportunity to remain in school for in person learning, which is vital to their mental

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and emotional health, as well as allowing them to fully engage in all of the activities that
are so important to their health and development. It is irresponsible to advise parents
not to vaccinate their children against this virus.”

New vaccines are evaluated by a long-standing, rigorous, and transparent process

through the FDA and the CDC by which safety and efficacy data are reviewed before
authorization and recommendation.

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Through its more than 2,500 members, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of
Pediatrics promotes the health & welfare of Florida’s children and supports pediatricians
& pediatric specialists as the best qualified providers of their healthcare. Learn more by
visiting www.fcaap.org.

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