An expert on vaccines and a former member of the independent vaccine advisory board will be the keynote speaker for a town hall meeting at the UF Health Science Library on Wednesday.

Dr. Paul Offit, who was fired by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will speak at 5 p.m. at Communicore C1-15, 1600 SW Archer Rd. in Gainesville to open dialogue about the importance of vaccines, address concerns about vaccine requirements, and promote community health and safety.

The event can be attended in person or watched via Zoom by clicking here.

“Vaccines are a proven tool in saving lives, and understanding why requirements are necessary helps us all work together toward a common goal—protecting our loved ones and neighbors,” said Dr. Fred Southwick, faculty advisor for the UF Undergraduate Student Organization Right Care Alliance, sponsor of the event, in a release.

A roundtable discussion with four infectious disease specialists will follow Offit’s presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and learn how they can contribute to a healthier community.

Offit, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is a longtime member of the CDC Advisory Board for Immunization Practices (ACIP) and a world-renowned expert on vaccines. He will be speaking from Philadelphia via Zoom. The event will be followed by a roundtable discussion with four infectious disease experts.

“Our goal is to provide clear, factual information and build trust within our community,” said Elise Mills, President of the Right Care Alliance, in a release.