Nine former leaders of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views on public health are “dangerous.” They believe his actions could put Americans at risk.
In a recent essay in the New York Times, these leaders—who have previously led the CDC—expressed serious concerns about Kennedy’s impact on public health. They are particularly worried about his stance on vaccines and other health measures.
The authors of the essay include notable figures like William Foege and David Satcher. They highlighted that Kennedy’s recent decisions, like firing CDC director Susan Monarez, have set a troubling precedent, saying they haven’t seen anything like this in the agency’s history.
While Kennedy has not openly opposed vaccinations, the former directors claim he has made misleading statements about their safety and effectiveness. Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services has limited the availability of COVID-19 vaccine boosters, which were previously accessible to a broader audience. This shift in policy raises more alarm among health experts.
Additionally, the CDC leaders criticized Kennedy for rejecting recommendations from the upcoming Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. They also raised flags about the increasing measles cases and his downplayed assessment of the measles vaccine’s effectiveness. Interestingly, Kennedy has previously stated that he believes in measles vaccinations, but thinks they shouldn’t be mandated by the government.
This situation comes at a critical time. According to the CDC, measles cases in the U.S. have surged, largely due to vaccine hesitancy. From January to July of 2023, there were over 200 reported cases, a significant increase compared to previous years.
Kennedy is set to appear before lawmakers this week, likely to defend his positions. The discussions surrounding vaccines, public health policies, and the role of government in health decisions remain hot topics on social media, with many citizens expressing their views passionately.
For further insights on public health, you may find the CDC’s official pages and reports helpful, which provide up-to-date information on vaccination rates and disease outbreaks.
