"Former Florida surgeon general challenges DeSantis administration's COVID vaccine claims"
The former Florida surgeon general, Dr. Scott Rivkees, has criticized the DeSantis administration's claims that updated COVID-19 vaccines have not been proven safe or effective, stating that the vaccines are very safe and have proven efficacy. Federal health authorities recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the updated COVID vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have defended the vaccines, emphasizing their safety and effectiveness. Dr. Rivkees points to CDC data showing that a significant number of COVID deaths in Florida were in individuals under 65, highlighting the importance of vaccination. The current Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, has expressed vaccine-skeptical ideas in the past and faced scrutiny for omitting data on vaccine risks. Dr. Rivkees argues that the risk of myocarditis from COVID is greater than from the vaccine, and that vaccines have a strong safety profile.