The state’s surgeon general has publicly stated that vaccinations should not be mandatory for kids, asserting that parents know best. The pronouncement has reignited debate over whether existing vaccine mandates should remain in place and raised questions for residents who consider their animals to be family.
Florida law currently requires that “All dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian or a person authorized against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture for use in those species.”
The statute remains in effect while officials and the public weigh policy and personal-choice considerations.
Veterinarians emphasize that the rabies vaccine protects both animals and people. Dr. Erin Lindblad, owner of Garden Veterinary Clinic, told News 6, “I would say the most important thing is that it’s what we call a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transferred from animals to humans.
“So, it is a human health hazard,” Dr. Lindblad said. “It is fatal. There really isn’t a cure or treatment for rabies once they’ve been infected with the virus...the vaccine prevents you from dying from rabies.”
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The Florida Department of Health’s rabies prevention materials underscore the risk, warning that the “Rabies virus is very deadly, with nearly 100% fatal illness in humans and other mammals.”
News 6 asked Lt. Governor Jay Collins, newly appointed to Florida’s Make America Healthy Again Commission, whether the state should reconsider the rabies vaccine requirement for pets. Collins declined to commit to a change, calling it “outside the scope” of the commission’s immediate work but inviting public discussion.
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“I think it’s outside the scope of what we’re talking about. But if people want to have that conversation, I would invite them into my office,” Collins said.
Veterinarians maintain that the longstanding vaccine is safe and that the benefits outweigh the risks.
“I have no concerns when it comes to the vaccine. It’s a vaccine that’s been around for years. And, you know, I think any time you’re looking at a vaccine, you have to look at the risk versus the benefit. But in this situation, I do feel like the risk is pretty high to not vaccinate your pet from rabies,” Dr. Lindblad said.
Local animal services continue outreach efforts.
On Wednesday, Orange County Animal Services will offer free vaccinations for cats from 8 a.m. to noon at the shelter on Conroy Road, including the rabies vaccine and the FVRCP combination vaccine.
On Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., the shelter will offer free vaccinations for dogs at Barnett Park, including rabies, dapp combination, and bordetella vaccines.
Officials urged pet owners to take advantage of the clinic and to consult licensed veterinarians about vaccination schedules and public-health protections.