As Covid-19 continues to spread in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration is once again advising against the use of mRNA vaccines for older residents. In updated guidance issued on Thursday, the Florida Health Department and State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA Covid-19 vaccines for seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The new guidance recommends that healthcare providers prioritize alternative Covid-19 vaccines and treatments for patients over the age of 65 or those with chronic health issues. This recommendation contrasts sharply with the advice from federal health agencies and medical experts, who support the safety of these vaccines based on extensive research and high levels of immunity from prior infections.
The Florida Health Department’s guidance highlights potential safety concerns associated with mRNA vaccines, including a rare risk of myocarditis and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). While studies have confirmed a slight increased risk of myocarditis with mRNA vaccines, most cases occur in younger males and are generally recoverable. Research also indicates that the risk of myocarditis from a Covid-19 infection is significantly higher and often more severe than that associated with vaccination.
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research found that Covid-19 patients are five times more likely to develop POTS compared to those who receive the vaccine, underscoring the protective benefits of vaccination.
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, criticized Florida’s guidance as alarmist. “It’s dangerous to create unnecessary fear around the mRNA vaccines,” Offit said, noting that individuals over 65 face a dramatically higher risk of severe outcomes from Covid-19 compared to younger populations. He affirmed that the mRNA vaccines remain highly safe and effective.
The Food and Drug Administration approved updated doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in August, targeting the KP.2 variant of the virus. Experts anticipate that these vaccines will offer substantial protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
In contrast, the only non-mRNA Covid vaccine available in the U.S. is Novavax’s protein-based shot, which provides an alternative to mRNA technology. A Novavax spokesperson confirmed that its updated vaccine is available at numerous retail and pharmacy locations nationwide.
The Florida Health Department did not provide additional comments on the new guidance. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, labeled Florida’s recommendation as “unfortunate,” warning that it could endanger older adults and those with underlying conditions. He emphasized that, despite reduced efficacy against infection, Covid-19 vaccines are effective in reducing severe disease outcomes.
Covid-19 cases remain high across the U.S. following a summer surge, with data from the CDC indicating “very high” virus levels in 23 states, including Florida. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations have remained elevated but are beginning to decline. In Florida nursing homes, Covid-19 infections are on the rise again after a summer decrease.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive an updated Covid vaccine this fall from any of the three approved options. This recommendation follows a previous stance by Ladapo, who last year advised against mRNA vaccines for those under 65, citing widespread immunity and safety concerns.
Ladapo’s guidance continues to deviate from CDC recommendations, reflecting ongoing debate over Covid-19 vaccine policies and their impact on public health.
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