Democratic Lawmaker Falsely Accuses DeSantis of Discouraging Vaccines

COVID-19 and vaccinations are nowhere close to leaving the arena of Florida politics, especially when it comes to Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL).  However, State Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D-49) has falsely accused Gov. DeSantis of discouraging vaccinations for Floridians.

In reference to a story written by Local 10 News, Rep. Carlos G. Smith fired off a tweet claiming that Gov. DeSantis "stopped encouraging life-saving vaccines," and that he is doing so to, "keep those anti-vaxxers happy.":

Oh, #DeSantis stopped encouraging life-saving vaccines long before that. Gotta keep those anti-vaxxers happy. https://t.co/OfloDjx4ub

— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) December 23, 2021

The article goes on to claim that the recent advertisements promoted by the state of Florida never explicitly mention a vaccine, and only show an illustration of one, "New Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph. Ladapo appears in the new ad, which shows a vaccine, but never says the word."

However, The Floridian reported earlier this year that Governor DeSantis himself said he was promoting both vaccinations and monoclonal therapies, information that runs directly contrary to the accusations Rep. Smith has made.  Back in September of 2021, (3 months ago) the Gov. DeSantis held a press conference at Broward Health in Broward County,  where he was asked to address the accusations made against him of refusing to promote vaccinations enough or to promote them at all.

“Yes, get vaccinated,” said Gov. DeSantis before saying that “in the midst of a surge, the vaccine doesn’t take effect immediately,” adding that “the vaccine is preventative, it’s not a treatment.”

“Some of the critics, whatever I do, are going to attack because they are very partisan and that includes some of the corporate press outlets as well,” said DeSantis.” People were attacking the monoclonals, they were acting as if it was a rouse. Misinformation, peddling false narratives including the corporate media.”

In other words, these accusations are not new, but something the DeSantis administration has had to battle for a long period of time.  Especially with the contrast of policy implementation between the state of Florida and the new Biden Administration.