Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has expressed concern following the Louisiana Surgeon General's decision to halt mass vaccination efforts in the state. The announcement from the Louisiana Department of Health indicated a cessation of activities such as community health fairs, partnerships, and media campaigns aimed at promoting vaccinations.

Dr. Cassidy emphasized the practical challenges faced by working parents when it comes to immunizing their children. "LDH’s announced policy on immunizations ignores the reality of people’s lives," he stated. He highlighted that delays in scheduling routine medical visits can lead to significant inconveniences for families, noting that "it may be six weeks or longer for a routine visit."

Drawing from his experience as a physician who organized large-scale immunization programs, Dr. Cassidy argued for the importance of initiatives like vaccine fairs which help avoid disruptions in daily life for both children and parents. "Things like vaccine fairs keep a child from having to miss school and a mother from having to miss work," he explained.

Cassidy also underscored the value of advertising vaccines' benefits and availability as crucial information for parents seeking to enhance their children's health. He criticized the removal of these resources, stating, "Removing these resources for parents is not a stand for parents’ rights."

The senator's remarks reflect concerns about accessibility and convenience in healthcare amidst changes in state vaccination policies.