Report warns loosening vaccine requirements could cost Florida $9B
Posted by: Diane Berg
A new economic analysis examining the long-term fiscal impact of reducing Florida’s childhood vaccine requirements projects significant losses to the state’s economy, workforce, and tax base over the next decade.
The report, prepared by the Regional Economic Consulting Group, founded by two former senior state economists, estimates that weakening school-entry vaccine safeguards could reduce Florida’s gross domestic product by $9 billion, eliminate 64,644 jobs, and cut state and local tax revenues by nearly $1 billion over ten years.
More than 90% of the projected economic losses stem from preventable mortality and productivity declines associated with reduced vaccination coverage.
“Policy decisions that reduce vaccination coverage are not cost-neutral,” said Northe Saunders, president of American Families for Vaccines. “This analysis shows that weakening Florida’s long-standing vaccine safeguards would carry measurable economic consequences for families, employers, and state revenues. These are not abstract projections; they reflect lost jobs, lower wages, and reduced economic growth.”
The analysis also forecasts significant regional impacts. Over ten years, projected losses include $2.5 billion in Miami, $1.3 billion in Tampa, $1.2 billion in Orlando, and $717 million in Jacksonville.
“Florida families care about both public health and economic stability,” said Kas Miller, Director of Florida Families for Vaccines. “When vaccination rates decline, outbreaks increase – and that means missed work, higher health care costs, caregiving burdens, and long-term economic damage. Protecting Florida’s vaccine safeguards protects our kids and our economy.”