Warning Issued by Dismissed CDC Chief Susan Monarez: RFK Jr. jeopardizes public health
In a dramatic turn of events, Susan Monarez, the former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been ousted from her position just 29 days into her tenure. The cause of her dismissal? Vaccine policy disagreements with the new U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy's commitment to employ "gold-standard science" for developing public health guidance is being questioned, as Monarez and Debra Houry, former CDC Chief Medical Officer, claim that Kennedy and his political advisers rejected data supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Monarez refused to sign off on new vaccination recommendations without scientific evidence and was unwilling to remove high-ranking career CDC officials without cause. Kennedy, in response, prohibited Monarez from speaking to the CDC's career staff, many of them scientists and researchers.
Sen. Bernie Sanders has questioned Kennedy's motives for firing Monarez, who was unanimously approved by Republicans in the Senate. Senate Republicans, however, have raised doubts about Monarez's account of the events.
Monarez's dismissal comes as a vaccine panel is set to consider major changes to the routine vaccinations recommended for the nation's children. The panel's recommendations will be endorsed by Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill.
Kennedy has denied Monarez's accusations that he ordered "rubber-stamped" vaccine recommendations. He has also acknowledged demanding firings but denied Monarez's claim of being called "untrustworthy."
Sen. Markwayne Mullin claimed that Monarez's final meeting with Kennedy was recorded, but later admitted he was mistaken about the existence of the recording.
The controversy surrounding Kennedy and Monarez has raised concerns about the future of vaccination policies in the U.S. Monarez herself warned senators that Kennedy and his team are against vaccines, and she expressed nervousness about the upcoming vaccine panel meeting.
Meanwhile, Monarez believes that deadly infectious diseases like polio could make a comeback if Kennedy and his team continue their public campaign against routine shots. As the vaccine panel convenes, the nation waits to see how these developments will shape the future of public health in America.
