Trump Questions Vaccine Efficacy Amid CDC Resignations and Rising COVID-19 Cases
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COVID-19 hospitalizations have seen a sharp increase in Ohio amid a rollback of vaccination recommendations by top US health officials and the surge in vaccine skepticism. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who lacks medical training and is known for spreading public health misinformation, along with mass resignations at the CDC, have complicated the health crisis. At the state level, Florida’s surgeon general has taken steps to abolish vaccine mandates, including for school children, a move sharply criticised by medical associations.
Increasing COVID-19 Hospitalizations in Ohio Amid Controversial Vaccine Recommendations
Ohio has witnessed a significant spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations during a tumultuous week for vaccine recommendations and requirements in the U.S. This uptick coincides with the controversial rollback of COVID-19 vaccination recommendations by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alongside mass resignations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and halted vaccine research.
Top Democrats and some Republicans pushed Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism, to resign during a Senate committee hearing on September 4. Florida’s surgeon general also recently announced plans to abolish vaccine mandates, including for school children.
Where does Ohio stand with COVID-19 right now?
From August 28 to September 3, Ohio saw 202 COVID-19-related hospitalizations. This data, reported by the Ohio Department of Health, represents nearly twice the number of hospitalizations from two weeks prior. The state health department has launched a new respiratory illness dashboard, which now includes data on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza in addition to COVID-19.
The CDC notes that as of August 26, case counts in 31 states, including Ohio, are on the rise.
Could Ohio ban vaccine mandates?
While no clear indication suggests Ohio will follow Florida’s lead, the state does permit religious and philosophical exemptions to vaccines. The rate of vaccinated kindergarteners in Ohio is currently at a five-year low.
Republican Governor Mike DeWine’s office has remained silent on Florida’s announcement. In contrast, Ohio Department of Health director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff has consistently backed vaccines and their effectiveness.
Top candidates for the 2026 Ohio governor’s race have different views. Vivek Ramaswamy, the top Republican candidate, has previously expressed regrets over his COVID-19 vaccination, while Amy Acton, top Democrat and former state health department director, condemned Florida’s decision to abolish vaccine mandates, calling it “reckless.”
Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo controversially described vaccine mandates as “dripping with disdain and slavery.” The American Medical Association and Columbus Public Health commissioner, Dr. Mysheika Roberts, have both condemned the decision. Roberts was among the 17 CDC vaccine panelists ousted by Kennedy in June.
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