Louisiana's New Vaccine Policy: A Quiet Change

In a surprising turn of events, Louisiana's health department has been told not to promote vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and mpox. This shocking policy change was uncovered by several news outlets, including NPR and KFF Health News, after they talked to health department employees who wanted to stay anonymous. The employees revealed that they were informed about this new policy in October and November meetings. Apparently, this change was meant to be kept quiet and wasn't written down. The health department hasn't responded to requests for comments yet. When asked about the change, the health department gave a statement to NPR, saying they are rethinking their public health priorities and how they talk about vaccines. They claim this is a move away from giving blanket advice, toward letting people make their own choices about vaccines, masks, and social distancing. This new rule has already stopped regular flu vaccine events for this fall. It affects all other work done by the health department, too. Employees can't send out press releases, give interviews, hold vaccine events, or post on social media to encourage vaccinations. They can't even put up signs about available vaccines at health department clinics. This change comes at a time when there's a lot of anti-vaccine feeling and false information going around, not just in Louisiana but all over the country. The newly elected president has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy is well-known for his anti-vaccine views and spreading wrong information about vaccines. It's important to note that this policy could have serious consequences. "We're really talking about deaths, " an employee told NPR. This change might lead to more people getting sick and even dying because they aren't getting vaccinated. It raises questions about how well the health department can protect the public if they can't promote life-saving vaccines.