PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Local 10’s Glenna Milberg spoke with Dr. Paul Robinson, former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, on This Week in South Florida Sunday, discussing the Florida Department of Health’s partnership with the governor to end vaccine mandates in the state.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladipo made it clear that his goal is to eliminate vaccine mandates for students, taking the first step with a public workshop this week where differing perspectives played out.

Robinson, who is a meningitis survivor, warned of the potential consequences.

“I know what it’s like to survive a preventable disease. You are ending that vaccine. It’s going to cause tremendous damage,” he said. “The estimate is this will cost the state $50 to $80 million.”

Robinson explained why many in the medical community are pushing back on the proposed rule.

“The reason doctors are pushing back, particularly pediatricians, is because of the incredible success of vaccines in saving children’s lives. It’s been the major positive change in my 42-year career,” he said. “Vaccines are a little bit of a victim of their own success. Most of the people at that hearing have never seen the terrible conditions vaccines prevent, like meningitis.”

Local 10 viewers can listen to more of Robinson and Milberg’s conversation in the video at the top of this page.

This Week in South Florida: Dr. Paul Robinson, ex-president of the American Academy of Pediatrics

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Glenna Milberg