Controversies and strife at the CDC revealed as ousted director shares disagreements with Kennedy and internal chaos
Dr. Susan Monarez, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has testified that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. interfered with vaccine policies and made inappropriate comments during her tenure.
In a hearing before the Senate health committee, Monarez described Kennedy as a leader focused on his ideology, attempting to prevent her from communicating with CDC experts and senators, and insisting on political appointee involvement in decisions. She claimed that Kennedy called CDC employees "corrupt" and accused them of "killing children" during a private meeting.
Monarez testified that Kennedy claimed there was no science or evidence behind the existing vaccine recommendations and suggested changes to the childhood vaccine schedule in September. She asserted that she was fired for upholding scientific integrity and refusing Kennedy's demands to dismiss top CDC scientists and approve vaccine recommendations without reviewing the data.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate health committee, expressed concerns about the decision-making process of the vaccine advisory panel and the potential for changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without rigorous scientific review. Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. Roger Marshall, members of the committee, expressed skepticism about the CDC's vaccination schedule and the science supporting all recommendations.
Dr. Debra Houry, another former CDC official, supported Monarez's account, stating that Kennedy needed to resign due to the turmoil inside the CDC, which has faced layoffs, a shooting, and the resignations of top scientific officials. Houry also stated that she had asked for a written memorandum and data but the data was not forthcoming.
Kennedy disputed Monarez's account, asserting that she acted maliciously and was fired for undermining the president's agenda. He defended his actions at the CDC, stating that the agency is the reason for the U.S.'s poor health status and that firing personnel is necessary to improve health.
In a surprising turn of events, Kennedy has fired all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and replaced them with his own advisers, some of whom share his skepticism about vaccines. This move has raised concerns among senators and public health experts about the future of vaccine policy in the U.S.
Monarez was treated as a hero by Democrats during the hearing, with Sen. Tim Kaine publicly apologizing to her. Three senators, Sens. Markwayne Mullin, Jim Banks, and Ashley Moody, criticized Monarez for hiring Mark Zaid, a lawyer who has spoken out against President Donald Trump. Senators accused Monarez of lying during Wednesday's hearing.
Dr. Monarez and Dr. Houry both testified that decisions on vaccine policy were made without public discussion of the science. They expressed concern that if vaccines become harder to get, preventable diseases would surge back and American children would be harmed.
The CDC vaccine experts are reportedly afraid to put their names on their own scientific papers due to the current environment. This revelation has further fueled concerns about the politicisation of public health policy and the potential impact on public health.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the future of vaccine policy in the U.S. remains uncertain, with many questioning the motives and actions of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the impact his decisions could have on public health.
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