Florida is the first state to end “immoral” vaccine mandates for children.

Dr Joseph Ladapo, the state surgeon general, who announced the decision on Wednesday, said that current vaccine requirements were “immoral” intrusions that hampered parents’ ability to make decisions about their own children’s health.

“People have a right to make their own decisions, informed decisions,” said Dr Ladapo, who has frequently clashed with the medical establishment.

“They don’t have the right to tell you what to put in your body. Take it away from them.”

Vaccines are considered to be the safest and most effective way to stop the spread of diseases, especially among schoolchildren.

Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor, also announced the creation of a state Make America Healthy Again (Maha) commission, modelled after similar initiatives established at the government level by Robert F Kennedy, the health secretary, who is known to be sceptical about vaccines.