Louisiana Forbids Public Health Workers from Promoting COVID, Flu and Mpox Shots

Louisiana's Department of Health has implemented a policy prohibiting public health workers from promoting COVID-19, flu, and mpox vaccines. Staff were instructed to stop advertising vaccines, hosting events, or sharing information about them, even within clinics. The policy, not put in writing, contradicts the core mission of public health: preventing illness and saving lives through evidence-based interventions.

Experts warn this decision could erode trust in public health and increase preventable illnesses and deaths. With Louisiana already experiencing high flu rates and significant COVID-19 fatalities, this shift highlights the critical importance of advocacy and clear communication in protecting public health outcomes. Read more from NPR here.