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Florida health director discourages use of mRNA Covid vaccines in older adults

Even as the Covid wave in Florida continues, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is once again advising against the mRNA vaccines: this time in the most vulnerable residents.

In updated guidance for health care providers released Thursday, the Florida Health Department and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo questioned the safety and effectiveness of the mRNA Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, including for older adults and people with underlying health problems. “Any provider concerned about the health risks associated with Covid-19 for patients over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions should prioritize patient access to non-mRNA Covid-19 vaccines and treatment,” according to the state guidance.high rates of immunity from prior infections and “currently available data.”

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said the Florida surgeon general's guidance is unnecessarily alarming people about the Covid vaccines.

COVID map update shows states with highest US rates While cases have steadily declined in some states, other areas are seeing a steady rise in infections. Newsweek

New data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the highest rates of infection are found in nine Southern and Central, with nearly 1 in 5 COVID tests coming out positive in these regions. However, the most significant rise in infections has been seen in the Northeast.

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