By Adriana Bonansea-Frances, MD
Preventive medicine is more than an approach to health; it is the foundation of healthier, longer lives and stronger communities. As physicians, we understand that prevention is always more effective, more humane, and less costly than treatment. During my tenure as President of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association (MDCMA), I have committed to advancing preventive medicine as a central focus for our community.
At the heart of prevention lies one of the most powerful tools modern medicine has given us: vaccines.
Why Vaccines Matter in Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade County is one of the most diverse communities in the United States. With our unique mix of cultures, global travel connections, and population density, we are both resilient and vulnerable. These same characteristics that make our county vibrant also increase our risk of exposure to infectious diseases, from influenza to measles to emerging global threats.
Vaccination is not simply a personal choice; it is a public health responsibility. When more of us are vaccinated, we protect not only ourselves but also those most vulnerable: infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In a county as interconnected as ours, the concept of herd immunity is not theoretical, it is essential.
Lessons from Recent Years
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored just how quickly a virus can move through a community like Miami-Dade. It also highlighted disparities in access to vaccines, misinformation, and the importance of trust between patients and their physicians. As medical leaders, we must continue to build that trust and ensure our community has both the knowledge and the access to make informed choices.
Seasonal flu, shingles, pneumonia, and HPV remain ongoing public health concerns, even as COVID-19 has receded from the daily headlines. Vaccination programs for children are particularly critical, as declining childhood immunization rates across the nation could reverse decades of progress.
The Role of Physicians and the MDCMA
As the Miami-Dade County Medical Association, we stand at the intersection of medicine and community. Our mission is not only to advocate for physicians but also to promote the health of our patients and families. That means continuing to support education campaigns, partnering with public health officials, and empowering physicians with the tools they need to counter misinformation.
Most importantly, it means having conversations with our patients, listening to their concerns, answering their questions, and reaffirming the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
Our Position on Vaccine Mandates
In light of the recent announcement from Florida’s Surgeon General regarding the repeal of all vaccine mandates, the Miami-Dade County Medical Association (MDCMA) has issued the following statement:
“The MDCMA remains committed to the health and well-being of our community. Vaccination has been, and continues to be, one of the most effective tools in preventing disease and protecting vulnerable populations. While policy decisions around mandates may evolve, the science behind vaccines as a safe and vital public health measure remains unchanged.
As physicians, we believe strongly in the integrity of the patient-physician relationship. It is our responsibility to provide evidence-based guidance, support informed decision-making, and ensure that our patients and their families are empowered with accurate information to protect their health.”
Moving Forward
Preventive medicine is a journey, and vaccination is the first step. In the months ahead, I will be sharing more on other aspects of prevention, from screenings and lifestyle medicine to mental health and health equity. Together, these efforts represent a holistic vision of what medicine should be: proactive, compassionate, and community-centered.
For Miami-Dade County, embracing vaccines means embracing a healthier future. As physicians and community leaders, we have the responsibility, and the privilege, of leading that effort.
Dr. Adriana Bonansea-Frances is President, Miami-Dade County Medical Association.