Florida advises against those under 65 from receiving COVID booster

Michael Costeines contributed to this report.

TALLAHASEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced Florida is advising against those aged under 65 obtaining COVID-19 booster vaccines.

“Today, @FLSurgeonGen Dr. Ladapo is advising caution regarding the use of the hastily-approved mRNA COVID boosters,” DeSantis announced. “We will not stand by and let the FDA and CDC use Floridians as guinea pigs for mRNA jabs that have not been proven to be safe or effective.”

DeSantis was joined by Ladapo and a number of health experts to discuss the COVID-19 mRNA boosters.

“Once again, the federal government is failing Americans by refusing to be honest about the risks and not providing sufficient clinical evidence when it comes to these COVID-19 mRNA shots, especially with how widespread immunity is now,” Ladapo said Wednesday. 

“In Florida, we will always use common sense and protect the rights and liberties of Floridians, including the right to accurate information.”

The Florida Department of Health’s new guidance cites the “high rate of global immunity and currently available data” for their recommendations.

“The State Surgeon General recommends against the COVID-19 booster for individuals under 65. Individuals 65 and older should discuss this information with their health care provider, including potential concerns outlined in this guidance,” the guidance reads.

They went on to outline “safety and efficacy concerns,” such as citing studies associating vaccines with “negative effectiveness” after a given time period, possible risks of myocarditis and other heart-related conditions, along with potential health risks that can come with “elevated levels of spike protein.”

The state guidance doesn’t just recommend against getting the booster, but tells Floridians to take care of their health with exercise, avoiding processed foods where possible, maximizing vegetables and “healthy fats,” along with spending time outside to boost vitamin D.

In a press release touting the announcement, DeSantis’ office reminded there are new laws in place that codify protections against COVID-19 policies and mandates.

Those provisions were signed earlier this year by DeSantis, permanently outlawing COVID-19 “vaccine passports,” banning COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements in schools, barring COVID-19 mask requirements in businesses, and preventing employers from hiring based on “mRNA jabs.”