Florida Gov. DeSantis requests probe of ‘any and all wrongdoing’ related to COVID-19 vaccines

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that will be petitioning the state’s Supreme Court to convene a grand jury to investigate “any and all wrongdoing” related to COVID-19 vaccines.

DeSantis didn’t specify what exactly the panel would investigate, but suggested that it may relate the possible side effects, as well as allegations of misleading the public on the effectiveness of the vaccines.

“We’ll be able to get the data whether they want to give it or not,” DeSantis said. “In Florida, it is illegal to mislead and misrepresent, especially when you are talking about the efficacy of a drug.”

He noted that drug makers, retailers and distributors recently paid a three billion dollar settlement for fueling the opioid crisis. “So, it’s not like this is something that’s unprecedented,” DeSantis said.

He added that the the panel “will be able to get more information and to bring legal accountability to those who committed misconduct.”

DeSantis is a fierce opponent of vaccine mandates, particularly for children. Florida became the first state earlier this year in not recommending COVID-19 vaccines for young healthy people.

The CDC continues to urge people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, saying that the benefits outweigh the “potential risks.” It’s recommended for those as young as six months old.