In a bulletin released on Thursday, the department cautioned that although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized updated versions of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the approval was granted without human clinical trial data. According to state health officials, the latest booster “does not protect against the currently dominant strain” of the virus, which accounts for approximately 37 percent of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. “Although randomized clinical trials are normally used to approve therapeutics, the federal government has not required COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to demonstrate their boosters prevent hospitalizations or death from COVID-19 illness,” the bulletin states. The Florida Health Department also highlighted “previously demonstrated safety concerns” related to COVID-19 vaccines, including prolonged exposure to mRNA and spike proteins, an increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections, and the potential for autoimmune disease following vaccination. “Based on the high rate of global immunity and currently available data the State Surgeon General advises against the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines,” the bulletin said. “Any provider concerned about the health risks associated with COVID-19 for patients over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions should prioritize patient access to non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and treatment.” The department also outlined several known side effects associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including:The Florida Department of Health has issued a warning against the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, citing concerns over their effectiveness against new variants and potential health risks associated with the vaccines.
