Emory University launches tool to model vaccine impact in Florida

Researchers at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health have released VaxImpactMap, an interactive dashboard designed to model the health and economic consequences of declining vaccine coverage. The tool was developed to provide tangible estimates regarding sickness, death, and cost impacts resulting from changes in immunization requirements.

The release coincides with the DeSantis administration’s efforts to remove four vaccines from the list of shots required for children to attend public schools or daycare in Florida. The Florida Department of Health is scheduled to hold a rule-making workshop in Lake Mary to discuss these proposed regulatory changes.

Lead developer Ben Lopman, a professor of epidemiology and global health, stated that the model is intended to provide robust data to policymakers and the public rather than serve as an advocacy tool. He emphasized the importance of weighing the costs and benefits of declining coverage when making decisions regarding state vaccine mandates.