News Summary
Congressman Clay Higgins seeks to defund the New Orleans Health Department due to its advocacy for COVID-19 vaccinations for children. This controversial stance has ignited heated discussions on public health policy and vaccination for youth amid ongoing pandemic concerns. Higgins also targets the American Academy of Pediatrics for diverging from federal guidance. The AAP and local health officials advocate vaccination for young children, citing significant health risks. As debates continue, health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable populations.
New Orleans—Congressman Clay Higgins, a Republican representing southwestern Louisiana, has called for the defunding of the New Orleans Health Department due to its promotion of COVID-19 vaccines for children. This assertion has sparked significant debate regarding public health policies and the vaccination of young individuals amid ongoing concerns about COVID-19.
Higgins voiced his criticism on social media, expressing discontent with the New Orleans Health Department’s campaign to encourage vaccinations for children against COVID-19. In addition to targeting the local health department, he also called for funding cuts to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) after the organization diverged from federal health guidance. The U.S. government, under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., does not currently recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children of any age, suggesting that vaccination should occur only through consultations with healthcare professionals.
In stark contrast, both the AAP and the New Orleans Health Department advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations for children. The AAP has specifically recommended that all infants and toddlers aged 6 to 23 months be prioritized for vaccination due to a heightened risk of severe illness. For children aged 2 to 18, the AAP supports vaccination while advising that parents weigh each child’s individual health situation and personal family preferences.
Higgins represents Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District and gained national attention during his tenure as a sheriff’s department captain, where he became known for producing anti-crime videos, earning him the moniker “Cajun John Wayne.” His recent statements, however, have drawn scrutiny from health professionals and local government officials.
The New Orleans Health Department has defended its stance on promoting COVID-19 vaccinations. It emphasized its dedication to ensuring that residents receive clear and accurate health information derived from trusted sources. The department articulated that the AAP has been providing evidence-based guidance for nearly a century to protect children from various vaccine-preventable illnesses. Such recommendations are considered crucial in the context of ongoing public health challenges.
Dr. Brobson Lutz, an infectious disease specialist and former director of the New Orleans Health Department, has criticized Higgins’ proposal for defunding, underscoring that current health recommendations focus on prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable young children. He highlighted the essential nature of COVID and influenza vaccinations, especially for children, who are particularly susceptible to respiratory viruses. Health experts continue to advocate for vaccinations in light of the potential risks associated with COVID-19, including severe complications and the development of long COVID.
As the matter unfolds, health professionals and agencies remain committed to emphasizing the importance of vaccinations amid the ongoing pandemic. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yet to release updated formal COVID-19 recommendations for the 2025-26 year, they remain focused on promoting seasonal flu vaccinations for all individuals aged 6 months and older. The current public health landscape continues to prompt discussions about vaccine protocols and childhood health guidelines.
Higgins has not yet responded to various requests for comment regarding his statements on this issue, leaving his position and future actions in relation to this controversial matter uncertain.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA.com: Rep. Clay Higgins Calls for Defunding of New Orleans Health Department
- WWL-TV: Rep. Higgins Vows to Defund New Orleans Health Department
- WDSU: Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins Vaccine Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Defund the Police Debate
- Google Search: COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
