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Florida Faces Whooping Cough Surge Amid Vaccine Rollback

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Florida recorded an 81% increase in whooping cough diagnoses from 2024 to 2025.
Kindergarten immunization fell to its lowest level in over a decade.
Pediatricians warn that removing vaccine mandates could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as measles and polio.
The Florida Department of Health plans to make several vaccines optional for school entry by December.
Experts emphasize that lower vaccination rates could endanger children, especially those who are immunocompromised.

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Story summary

Florida recorded an 81% increase in whooping cough diagnoses from 2024 to 2025.
Kindergarten immunization fell to its lowest level in over a decade.
Pediatricians warn that removing vaccine mandates could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as measles and polio.
The Florida Department of Health plans to make several vaccines optional for school entry by December.
Experts emphasize that lower vaccination rates could endanger children, especially those who are immunocompromised.