LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – In December, 7News reported the Louisiana Department of Health was pulling back on its messaging regarding COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
Today, the Advocate reported the state surgeon general issued a memo to staff to stop promoting mass vaccinations.
Dr. Ralph Abraham, also issued a statement for the public today as Robert Kennedy was sworn in as the country’s health secretary.
Abraham released a message saying restoring trust in public health starts with restoring trust in medicine.
Abraham says COVID missteps damaged the confidence of citizens in public health care – citing inaccurate and inconsistent guidance on masking, vaccines and closing schools .
State Representative Chuck Owen from Vernon Parish agrees with Abraham.
“I think we just need to watch it as it unfolds, because we have a new administration in the white house,” he said. “They were planning on how they were going to rework the CDC, the FTC and all those places because of the misbehavior that they put on during covid.”
Owen, vice chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee says he will be issuing a report on hearings held last year regarding the handling of the pandemic.
He expects changes to be made.
“For example the pushing of vaccines that are under emergency use authorization. I think you’re going to see different parameters for that. And I really would encourage people if there’s something that you need or you want and think the public health agencies ought to be providing it to you, you call your legislator or the department of health tell them. Because it’s our job to help,” said Abraham.
Regarding vaccinations, reports of a memo sent to Health Department staff say Dr. Abraham has instructed them to tell patients about data and urge people to talk with their doctors. He believes people should not be pushed by the federal government on their health.
Click here to read Abraham’s entire message to the public.
Following this story is a transcript of the memo Dr. Abraham sent to staff.
To: LDH Team Members
From: Dr. Ralph Abraham
RE: Public Health and Vaccines at LDH
Date: February 13, 2025
First, let me applaud your untiring efforts to keep the citizens of Louisiana safe on a day-to-day basis. This is no easy task with the challenges we are facing.
To that end, there have been a lot of thoughtful questions about where the Administration stands as it relates to vaccine promotion, emergency response and prevention. It is this Administration’s position that:
● LDH’s role as a state health agency is to present scientifically-based information about health care and public health interventions. As this relates to vaccines, LDH staff are directed to use language with a renewed focus on meeting people where they are. Rather than instructing individuals to receive any and all vaccines, LDH staff should communicate data regarding the reduced risk of disease, hospitalization, and death associated with a vaccine and encourage individuals to discuss considerations for vaccination with their healthcare provider.
● For many illnesses, vaccines are one tool in the toolbox of ways to combat severe illness and should be used as such thoughtfully and strategically.
● Informed consent is foundational to vaccination.
● Conversations about specific vaccines, and whether or not a vaccine is right for a specific person, are best had with the individual’s healthcare provider, who best understands their individual situation and relevant medical history.
● Vaccines should be treated with nuance, recognizing differences between seasonal vaccines and childhood immunizations, which are an important part of providing immunity to our children.
● It is important that healthcare providers discuss the risks and benefits of vaccines with parents, answering all questions and concerns based on scientific evidence.
● Getting vaccinated, like any other health procedure, is an individual’s personal choice.
● The State of Louisiana and LDH have historically promoted vaccines for vaccine preventable illnesses through our parish health units (PHUs), community health fairs, partnerships and media campaigns. While we encourage each patient to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their provider, LDH will no longer promote mass vaccination.
● PHUs will continue to stock and provide vaccines. Individuals without an established provider relationship who would like a vaccination or would like to discuss vaccine questions are encouraged to visit their local PHU, each overseen by a regional medical director.
● LDH Office of Public Health has an indispensable role in responding to emergent disease outbreaks that may require vaccine promotion as part of the mitigation of the spread of infectious disease. The Department will continue to be vigilant and responsive in this role. Recommendations for the use of vaccines in order to control an outbreak or to prevent disease in an individual with a known exposure to a vaccine preventable illness can continue to be communicated under the direction of the state epidemiologist.
● As emerging diseases continue to challenge our health, we will follow expert advice and apply all scientifically recommended guidelines to combat spread, severe illness, hospitalization and death as public health and safety is our paramount priority.
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