COVID Cases rise in Ohio as Florida Moves to Ban Vaccine Mandates, CDC Faces Scrutiny
COLUMBUS, OH – September 4, 2025 – As COVID-19 cases begin to rise in Ohio, Florida’s recent announcement to ban vaccine mandates is drawing sharp criticism from medical professionals and sparking debate among candidates vying for the state’s governorship. The move in Florida, spearheaded by Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo who stated that “every one of them drips with disdain and slavery” regarding vaccine mandates, has prompted concern over potential public health repercussions.
Ohio currently allows for religious and philosophical exemptions to vaccines, but vaccination rates among kindergarteners are at a five-year low, according to state officials.A recent report indicates the rate of vaccinated kindergarteners in the Buckeye State is declining.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office has stated he has “no immediate comment” on Florida’s decision. Though, Ohio Department of Health director Dr.Bruce Vanderhoff has consistently voiced support for vaccines and their effectiveness in previous public appearances.
The American Medical Association has condemned Florida’s decision, asserting it “would undermine decades of public health progress and place children and communities at increased risk… resulting in serious illness, disability, and even death.” Columbus Public Health commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts echoed this sentiment, stating she is “disappointed that political points are overriding established science at the expense of the health and safety of children.” Roberts was recently one of 17 CDC vaccine panelists ousted in June.
Candidates for Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race have offered differing perspectives. Dr. Amy acton, the leading Democratic candidate and former state health department director, called Florida’s decision “reckless” and “shameful behavior,” emphasizing that vaccines “keep our children, families and communities safe.”
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Though, Ramaswamy previously stated in 2023 that he regretted receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and alleged the U.S. government “lied” about the vaccines developed during President Donald Trump’s first term.
