Dustin Miller
State Representative ~ District 40
Address:
1310 S. Union St. Suite 2
Opelousas, LA 70570
Email:
millerd@legis.la.gov
Phone:
(337) 943-2900
Fax:
(337) 943-2902
Legislative Assistant:
Kristina Martel
LOUISIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A Statement to the Public on Vaccine Promotion and Public Health
As both an elected leader and a healthcare professional, I am deeply concerned by the Louisiana Department
of Health’s decision to cease promoting vaccines and to limit efforts in improving access for those who need
them most. This isn’t just a policy change—it creates unnecessary barriers for families striving to make
informed healthcare decisions and undermines public trust in proven, lifesaving measures.
Vaccines have been one of the greatest public health successes in history, preventing millions of illnesses and
deaths every year. Failing to communicate their importance does not change their value—it simply makes it
harder for families to access reliable, science-based information and to protect their loved ones.
The reality is clear:
� In just two years, Louisiana’s kindergarten vaccination rate has fallen from 90% to 86%.
� Measles requires 94% coverage for community immunity, yet our state’s current rate is 92.2%, with some
communities even lower.
� Pertussis cases have surged—2024 has seen six times as many cases as 2023, including two infant deaths
in Louisiana in the past six months.
Furthermore, a recent measles outbreak in Texas has reached 48 confirmed cases—making it the worst in
nearly 30 years—with at least 13 hospitalizations, primarily among the unvaccinated. These events are stark
reminders of the risks we face when vaccination rates decline.
Vaccines are safe, effective, and rigorously monitored by public health agencies. They are essential not only
for individual protection but also for safeguarding entire communities. The Louisiana Department of Health’s
mission is to advance and protect public health, which includes providing clear, evidence-based information
about vaccines.
I urge all Louisiana families to seek trusted sources and ensure that children, seniors, and other vulnerable
individuals are protected through vaccination. Our collective health depends on it.
Thank you.
Dustin Miller
Louisiana State Representative
District 40
Author
