President Donald Trump expressed reservations about Florida’s new policy eliminating school vaccine mandates, saying that while personal choice is important, vaccines remain critical to protecting public health.

“I think we have to be very careful. You have some vaccines that are so amazing,” Trump said when asked about the change. “I think you have to be very careful when you say some people don’t have to be vaccinated. It’s a very tough position.”

The policy, announced this week by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, removes requirements for children attending public schools to be vaccinated against measles, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox and other diseases. Ladapo defended the decision, likening vaccine mandates to “slavery” and arguing that families should decide what is best for their children.

Public health experts and medical groups have warned that lifting the requirements could lead to the return of preventable diseases once thought to be eliminated in the United States. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the policy as a dangerous gamble with children’s health, while some Republicans have also voiced unease.

Trump’s comments mark a rare split from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration. The former president has long promoted vaccines developed under his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, though he has opposed federal mandates.

The Florida policy is set to take effect for the upcoming school year, but legal challenges from advocacy groups and parents are expected.