In times when political winds in Washington blow toward skepticism regarding vaccines, Ohio chooses a path paved by decades of scientific evidence rather than ideological whims. In contrast to Florida, which actively promotes legislation for a complete ban on vaccination requirements, Republican Governor Mike DeWine and his team at the Ohio Department of Health have clearly stated: the state will continue to promote the benefits of immunization as a key public health tool. This approach seems to be a rare island of rationality in a landscape where anti-vaccine rhetoric is gaining momentum under the influence of the Trump administration.
According to internal sources in the governor's office, DeWine and Department Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff remain steadfast in their commitment to scientific data. "We will not allow political speculation to undermine the health of our citizens," emphasized one of the governor's advisors, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. This stance contrasts with recent statements by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during congressional hearings, where he claimed that "many vaccines do more harm," a assertion unanimously refuted by leading medical experts, including the American Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy Jr., known for his longstanding anti-vaccine campaigning, not only halted funding for the development of new vaccines but also dismissed key CDC officials, stating: "We are the sickest country in the world, so we need to fire people at CDC. They didn't do their job."
In Ohio, where the balance of power in the legislature barely leans toward Republicans, this tension is evident at every turn. The percentage of vaccinated children entering kindergarten continues to decline — from 89.9% in the 2019-2020 school year to 85.4% today, a decrease of 4.5% over five years. This trend reflects a national pattern where outbreaks of diseases such as measles and mumps are becoming more frequent due to the spread of misinformation on social media and political circles. However, not everyone in Ohio shares this concern. State Representative Bet Liston, a Democrat from Dublín and a seasoned pediatrician, exemplifies an opposite approach. "I do all available vaccinations for my children," she said in an interview I conducted at her office. Liston, who has witnessed the consequences of the anti-vaccine movement firsthand in her practice, warns: "There are many diseases we can prevent, and many health problems, including death, that would arise if we didn't have vaccines." Her words resonate with insider assessments from CDC experts who, despite staffing reductions, continue to document how vaccination has saved millions of lives globally since Ernst von Schark, a pioneer of immunization.
However, the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, inspired by Trump and Kennedy Jr., has found resonance in Ohio. Bill No. 112, initiated by Representative Jennifer Gross (Republican from West Chester), prohibits discrimination against individuals refusing vaccination and is nearly identical to her initiative from last year. Sponsor Bet Lierst, another Republican legislator, argues: "When states, including Ohio, began requiring unverified and unproven mRNA vaccinations as a condition of employment and education, I and many others in the state and country realized that the government was intervening too much." Gross, who actively supports Florida's efforts to fully ban mandates — even for schoolchildren — stated in 2024: "Ohio residents are forced to abandon their conscientious or religious beliefs or face the reality that they cannot be productive members of our society." Lierst adds: "If vaccines are truly safe and effective, they will be in high demand and there will be no need for mandatory requirements."
According to Liston, these arguments are a direct consequence of misinformation. "Misinformation leads to a lack of demand," she notes, citing numerous studies published in "The Lancet" and "New England Journal of Medicine" that confirm the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA technologies. Doctors nationwide, including those I have spoken with privately, constantly assert: these vaccines have undergone rigorous testing, have saved millions of lives, and do not pose systemic risks.
Meanwhile, other states are reacting to federal pressure. California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii have formed a coalition to disseminate "reliable information" and counter the Trump administration, while northeastern states like Massachusetts, according to Governor Maura Healey, are preparing their own alliance. Ohio, however, remains on the sidelines. "We acted Ohio-style and issued Ohio recommendations," said Ohio Governor's spokesperson, Dan Terny, emphasizing the state's autonomy. "You often hear that Ohio politicians want to act 'Ohio-style' and not necessarily join, replacing and weakening the power of Ohio residents by handing it over to a multi-state conglomerate."
Liston, perceiving a party divide in this, appeals for unity: "Science should not be a partisan issue. We all want children to be healthy; we all want to use the best evidence in society to achieve better health outcomes. I believe division and distrust are regrettable." Her words echo insider assessments from Capitol Hill: in private conversations with Ohio legislators, anti-vaccine initiatives are often seen as tactical moves to mobilize the base but face resistance from moderate Republicans like DeWine, who has repeatedly vetoed similar bills citing public health interests.
Ultimately, Ohio is becoming a testing ground for America: will science outweigh populism? Given the governor’s history as a long-time advocate for children's well-being, Bill No. 112 is likely to face a veto — a signal that even in the heartland "rust belt" states, there is still room for a rational voice. As my sources in the medical community suggest, this could become a model for other Republican states that are torn between ideology and epidemiology.
