Former CDC director testifies, warns of impacts on public health
Dr. Susan Monarez testified before the Senate Health Committee Wednesday, highlighting concerns about interference in vaccine recommendations at the CDC and its impact to public health.
Dr. Susan Monarez testified before the Senate Health Committee Wednesday, highlighting concerns about interference in vaccine recommendations at the CDC and its impact to public health.
Dr. Susan Monarez testified before the Senate Health Committee Wednesday, highlighting concerns about interference in vaccine recommendations at the CDC and its impact to public health.
Dr. Susan Monarez, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), testified before the , warning that political debate over vaccines and health guidance has had a devastating impact on public health.
"I worry about our school systems. I worry about our medical institutions having to take care of sick kids, that could have been prevented by effective and safe vaccines," Monarez said in her testimony Wednesday. "I worry about the future of trust in public health."
Monarez, who was fired just one month into her role, expressed concerns about the future trust in public health and the potential consequences for children.
In her first public testimony since her dismissal, Monarez claimed that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressured her to pre-approve vaccine recommendations before reviewing the scientific evidence.
Monarez also said she was directed to fire several high-ranking health officials without cause, and when she refused, she was terminated.
Kennedy, in recent testimony, denied pushing for vaccine decisions but acknowledged his pressure for the firings.
During Wednesday's hearing, Monarez faced more questions about the safety and effectiveness of certain vaccines for children, including in one exchange with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who questioned the COVID vaccine's impact on reducing death rates for children under 18.
"It can," Monarez responded.
"That's a ridiculous answer," Paul said. "It doesn't and there is no statistical evidence that it does reduce the death rate."
The debate on vaccine science has contributed to declining public trust, according to some doctors. A found that 1 in 6 parents have either skipped or delayed vaccines for their children, excluding those for COVID or the flu.
With trust in health agencies waning, doctors emphasize the importance of direct conversations with pediatricians for family health.
On Thursday, a will also meet to review vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox. However, the panel has undergone significant changes, as Secretary Kennedy replaced all 17 members with his own advisors, some of whom share his skepticism about vaccine safety.
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