Florida Surgeon General Calls for Halt of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Use

Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo has formally requested the FDA and CDC to cease the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, citing potential safety risks associated with nucleic acid contaminants found in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Ladapo's concerns include the possibility of DNA integration into human cells, which he fears could lead to the development of cancer cells and affect vital organs. Despite these claims, federal health agencies, including the CDC, have maintained that the vaccines are safe and effective for use.

The FDA, in response to Ladapo's claims, has stated there is no evidence to support the presence of dangerous DNA fragments in the vaccines, and the shots do not pose the risks outlined by Ladapo. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, has contested Ladapo's assertions, specifically addressing the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. The debate follows Florida's decision to recommend against vaccinating healthy children, a move that goes against CDC guidelines. The CDC continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 5 and older.