Physician tells unvaccinated patients to find treatment elsewhere

A Florida family medicine physician will stop offering in-person care to her unvaccinated patients.

"This is a public health emergency — the health of the public takes priority over the rights of any given individual in this situation," Linda Marraccini, MD, wrote in a letter. "It appears that there is a lack of selflessness and concern for the burden on the health and well-being of our society from our encounters. "

Marraccini practices in South Miami. As of June 4, 2021, Miami-Dade county has a vaccination rate of 73%. (Florida stopped daily reporting of vaccination rates on June 4, 2021.)

Marraccini said she will continue to offer telehealth appointments to patients who have not found a new practice or have not received the vaccine due to hardship. She says most of the feedback she has received has been positive.  

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law in May that bans business, government or educational entities from requiring people to prove their COVID-19 vaccination status. It is unclear whether the law will apply to Marraccini's medical practice.