TALLAHASSEE — Thursday, Oct. 8, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) provided testimony opposing the Florida Department of Health’s proposed revisions to Rule 64D-3.046, which would remove hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines from Florida’s public and nonpublic schools and childcare entry requirements. 

The following statement can be attributed to Susan Harbin, Florida senior director of government relations for ACS CAN: 

“Cancer patients and survivors, including children, from across Florida rely on high community-level vaccination rates to be protected from potentially life-threatening illnesses. We are deeply concerned by proposed changes to school immunization requirements that could lead to fewer kids being up to date on recommended vaccines and weaken community immunity.

“Many people living with cancer have weakened immune systems because of their disease or treatments such as chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and certain immunotherapies. Some cannot be vaccinated, or vaccines may be less effective due to their treatment. High vaccination rates are critical to protecting them and other members of our community at increased risk of severe illness and death. 

“Vaccinations are an essential part of care for people with cancer and their families. They can prevent some cancers caused by viruses, treat certain cancers and protect cancer patients from communicable illnesses.

“On behalf of Florida’s cancer patients and survivors, we urge the Department of Health to reject the proposed changes to the school immunization requirements. Children undergoing treatment deserve to learn and play at school as safely as possible, and cancer patients of all ages depend on the community protection that strong vaccine policies provide.”