La. congressman calls to defund N.O. health dept. over COVID vaccine post

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Congressman Clay Higgins, a Republican from Lafayette, said he wants to block future federal funding to the New Orleans Health Department following its promotion of updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance.

“I was extremely surprised to hear the congressman’s statement. The New Orleans Health Department and its charter mandated to protect the health of the citizens of New Orleans and its visitors. That includes keeping immunizations up to date, and I believe what the American Academy of Pediatricians has put out is the standard of care for the COVID recommendation,” said Dr. Brobson Lutz, an infectious diseases specialist and former New Orleans health director.

The department posted on social media this week: “The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its COVID-19 recommendations and is strongly recommending the shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated.”

The post also included a link to AAP’s full announcement.

Higgins responded on social media: “State sponsored weakening of the citizenry, absolute injury to our children and calculated decline of fertility. The New Orleans Health Department … whoever the hell they are… should be 100% defunded, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics. I will immediately pursue restriction of every federal penny that might make its way to this soon to be writhing band of sorcerers.”

Lutz, who led the city’s health department under Mayors Dutch Morial, Sidney Barthelemy and Marc Morial, pushed back, citing the vulnerability of young children to respiratory viruses.

“The reason that COVID immunizations are recommended for children between six months and two years is these little ones have very small sinuses and cubes and everywhere. And it’s so easy for an infection like COVID or influenza to really adversely affect these, these little ones,” Lutz said. “And it’s I think both influenza and COVID immunizations in this age group are extremely important.”

He also criticized the idea of stripping the department’s funding.

“Our health department predates the state health department, and if you’re going to defund somebody else to defund some department that does not recommend what the American Academy of Pediatricians is recommending because their recommendation is based on sound science,” Lutz said.

In a statement to FOX 8, the New Orleans Health Department defended its stance on vaccinations and emphasized the importance of following established medical guidance.

“As your local health department, our priority is to make sure our residents have clear and accurate health information from trusted sources. For nearly 100 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has provided evidence-based guidance to protect children from vaccine-preventable illnesses, and it is considered the standard to guide healthcare professionals and public health recommendations.

“Each year, in anticipation of the upcoming fall respiratory virus season, AAP and other subject matter experts review the most up-to-date research on the efficacy and safety of vaccines. This week, AAP recommended that all infants and toddlers ages 6 to 23 months—unless they have a medical reason not to—should be prioritized for COVID vaccination, since they face the highest risk of severe illness. The AAP also supports COVID vaccination for children ages 2 to 18, but says the decision should take into account each child’s health and family preference. The CDC has not yet made updated formal COVID recommendations for 2025–26, and both AAP and CDC recommend flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older.

“Both organizations agree that children with underlying health conditions should be prioritized for vaccination and that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and approved for children 6 months and older.

“We encourage all families to review the guidance and, most importantly, talk with your child’s healthcare provider to decide what’s best for them. NOHD remains committed to promoting, protecting, and improving the health of all in our community.”

Health professionals say COVID-19 remains a serious concern, with some patients still requiring hospitalization. Lutz said medical groups must continue emphasizing the importance of vaccination.

“Unfortunately, when you have these weirdos coming in with recommendations going contrary to science, a lot of people just get confused and don’t get immunized, so I suspect we’ll have more COVID-related, severe complications and death. And let’s not forget about long COVID. Long COVID is a very, very disabling situation in many people,” he said.

Higgins and his staff did not respond to FOX 8’s calls, texts or emails seeking comment.

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