Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry has testified that US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is ignoring medical expertise and spreading misinformation about vaccines. According to Houry, Kennedy shunned meetings with top health officials, including herself, despite deadly outbreaks unfolding during his tenure.
Houry’s account paints a picture of a hostile takeover at the CDC under Kennedy’s leadership. She criticized him for rejecting evidence-based recommendations on vaccine safety and pushing for changes that put public health at risk. The former CDC director claimed that Kennedy moved to restrict vaccines, removed Covid-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant people, and limited vaccination to children with underlying conditions.
Houry’s resignation follows a series of concerns about the agency’s priorities under Kennedy’s leadership. With many experienced leaders laid off or terminated, Houry fears for public health in the US if the country is not prepared for future crises. She has called for Kennedy’s resignation, citing her concern over vaccine hesitancy and the lack of scientific leadership at the CDC.
The situation highlights a growing crisis within the US public health system, where misinformation and anti-vaccine messages are spreading rapidly. As the only permanent career official in the CDC’s office of the director by the time she left, Houry’s testimony underscores the urgent need for expert guidance and evidence-based decision-making in protecting public health.
The situation is particularly concerning given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the recent measles outbreak that claimed three lives. With the US vaccination schedule under review, experts are warning of a potential surge in vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine sentiment. As the CDC struggles to regain its footing, it remains to be seen whether Kennedy’s leadership style will be reformed or if the agency will continue to prioritize politics over public health.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/04/cdc-rfk-jr-infectious-disease-testimony