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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, is once again taking aim at vaccine mandates—this time, targeting mRNA vaccines specifically. During a press conference in Tampa on Wednesday, DeSantis called on state lawmakers to pass legislation that would ban all mandates requiring mRNA vaccines in Florida.
Flanked by Dr. Ladapo and First Lady Casey DeSantis, the governor continued his ongoing push against COVID-related restrictions, despite the pandemic’s official end.
Currently, only two mRNA vaccines are on the market: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s COVID-19 shots.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know people should be able to control their own destiny when it comes to these mRNA shots,” DeSantis said.
What is mRNA?
mRNA, or messenger ribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries instructions from DNA to the ribosomes in cells, which then produce proteins the body needs. mRNA vaccines work by delivering these instructions directly, teaching the immune system to recognize and fight off specific pathogens—in this case, the coronavirus.
This technology differs from traditional vaccines, which often use weakened or inactivated virus particles to stimulate immunity. Research into mRNA vaccines dates back to the 1990s, with much of the foundational work happening at the University of Pennsylvania. Human trials using mRNA vaccines for diseases like rabies, Zika, and influenza began in 2013. When COVID-19 emerged, the technology was quickly adapted, leading to emergency authorization for the first mRNA vaccines in December 2020.
A Shift in Position
DeSantis was initially supportive of efforts to fast-track the COVID-19 vaccines, including the mRNA versions. However, his stance has dramatically shifted in recent years. Now a vocal critic, DeSantis has repeatedly questioned the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, citing concerns echoed by Ladapo.
This isn’t the first time the governor has worked to block vaccine mandates in Florida. Over the past two years, DeSantis has supported legislation banning local governments, schools, and businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccines for employees, students, or patrons.
DeSantis says this latest push is about protecting personal choice and ensuring Floridians are free to make their own medical decisions without government interference.
