Florida surgeon general Ladapo's vaccine mandates opposition goes against medical mainstream

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Dr. Joseph Ladapo, whose credentials include two Harvard University degrees, says that requiring vaccinations for diseases like measles, polio and chickenpox amounts to government-imposed “slavery.” It’s far from the first time Florida’s surgeon general has cut against the medical establishment grain.

Ladapo, an appointee of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, made worldwide headlines this week by announcing Florida would seek to eliminate all mandated vaccinations for schoolchildren and others. He cast the immunization requirements, which date back decades and are considered a major global medical achievement that has saved millions of lives , as improper government intrusion in personal health decisions.

“Every last one is wrong and drips with disdain and sl