State Surgeon General Advises Caution on COVID-19 mRNA Boosters

TALLAHASSEE, FL. - The State Surgeon General of Florida, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, issued comprehensive guidance on the utilization of mRNA COVID-19 booster shots, aimed at healthcare providers and patients alike. This guidance, released on September 13, 2023, emphasizes critical points regarding the administration of boosters following extensive evaluation and analysis. A provider alert was sent out on October 23, 2023 to Florida doctors and pharmacies, but many Bay County offices were not familiar with the alert. The primary recommendation from the State Surgeon General advises against the COVID-19 booster for individuals under 65 years old. Conversely, those aged 65 and above are encouraged to engage in discussions with their healthcare providers to assess the necessity and potential concerns associated with receiving a booster, as outlined in the guidance. Several crucial points of concern have been highlighted in the guidance for both providers and patients to consider: Diminishing Effectiveness Over Time: Studies conducted globally have indicated a decline in effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines after 4 to 6 months. This decrease in efficacy has been associated with an increased risk of infection among vaccinated individuals, a phenomenon not observed in other vaccines such as the flu shot. Cardiovascular Risks: The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines pose potential risks of myocarditis and other cardiovascular conditions among otherwise healthy individuals, prompting caution in their administration. Unknown Adverse Impacts of Additional Doses: With some individuals having received five to seven doses of the vaccine within a three-year period, the guidance stresses the unknown risks associated with each additional dose. Persisting Spike Protein Levels: Elevated levels of spike protein, a component of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, have been observed to persist among certain individuals for an unspecified duration, raising potential health concerns. “Once again, the federal government is failing Americans by refusing to be honest about the risks and not providing sufficient clinical evidence when it comes to these COVID-19 mRNA shots, especially with how widespread immunity is now,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “In Florida, we will always use common sense and protect the rights and liberties of Floridians, including the right to accurate information.”