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Ousted CDC Director Resisted Pressure to Restrict Vaccine Access, Sources Say
Tensions between the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are escalating following the removal of Dr. Susan Monarez as CDC director. Sources reveal that in the weeks leading up to her dismissal, Monarez faced repeated pressure from top HHS officials, including then-deputy secretary Jim O’Neill, to endorse potential new vaccine restrictions.
These meetings, led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his deputy chief of staff, Stefanie Spear, reportedly focused on securing Monarez’s support for recommendations that could limit vaccine access.
Monarez consistently refused, insisting on reviewing the scientific evidence before taking any action. This ultimately led to her dismissal, which triggered the resignation of four other senior CDC officials and plunged the agency into turmoil.
O’Neill, who has since been appointed acting CDC director, participated in the meetings with Monarez. While his exact role remains unclear, his presence raises concerns about potential political influence over the CDC’s critical public health recommendations. This development further complicates the already strained relationship between HHS leadership and CDC staff, who are grappling with recent layoffs and a fatal shooting incident at the agency.
In a message to CDC staff, Kennedy expressed confidence in O’Neill’s ability to restore the agency’s reputation. O’Neill echoed this sentiment on social media, criticizing the CDC’s perceived loss of trust during the Biden administration.
However, O’Neill’s limited interaction with CDC staff and his close ties to Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, have fueled skepticism about his ability to protect the agency’s scientific integrity. Critics question whether O’Neill will act as a check on Kennedy’s agenda or further enable it.
Kennedy has openly expressed his intent to overhaul the CDC, citing “a lot of trouble” within the agency. He has already replaced the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with appointees who share his skepticism towards vaccines. This committee is set to review several vaccines, including the hepatitis B vaccine, a frequent target of Kennedy’s criticism.
This ongoing conflict raises serious questions about the future of vaccine policy in the United States and the CDC’s ability to maintain its role as a trusted source of public health information. The situation continues to develop, and the implications for public health remain to be seen.