Former FDA Commissioner claims that COVID-19 vaccine is now mandatory in the childhood immunization schedule.
Scott Gottlieb, a doctor, predicted that more states would have their own vaccine mandates during an interview with Face the Nation.
His comments come after California Gov. Gavin Newsom mandated vaccines for eligible school children.
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Scott Gottlieb, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, stated that he believes it is "inevitable" that the COVID-19 vaccine will be included in the childhood immunization schedule. He spoke to CBS's Face The Nation Sunday.
Insider reported that the FDA could approve the vaccine for children younger than 5 and 11 years old by the holidays. According to the FDA website, in late August the agency approved the vaccine for adults 16 years and older. The vaccine is still available under emergency authorization for children 12-15 years old, according to the FDA website.
Gottlieb said, "You're going see other states or local districts moving forward to their own mandates." "And I believe the best place to make decisions about these mandates is at local level. This is why you will see California and other states adopt this.
Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that students would be required to get the shots, adding to an already "well-established" list of 10 vaccines. Chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, stated that he supports Newsom's decision.
Other officials, such as the West Virginia Governor, are also available. Jim Justice and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, oppose implementing vaccine mandates.
Face the Nation (@FaceTheNation), October 3, 2021
Margaret Brennan, moderator of the interview, asked Gottlieb about his concerns over the politicization vaccines.
"I worry about the future consequences of the current situation. I worry about the fact that vaccination is dividing us politically and culturally. He expressed concern that we will see vaccination rates drop as the issue becomes more political.
