Fired CDC Director Accuses RFK Jr. of Undermining Vaccines

In a Senate hearing on March 27, 2024, former Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director Susan Monarez testified that she was dismissed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. due to her refusal to support his agenda for new restrictions on vaccines. Monarez, who was appointed during the Trump administration, stated that her termination came after she declined to commit in advance to recommendations made by a panel comprised largely of vaccine skeptics.

Monarez characterized her firing as an attack on scientific integrity, saying, “I was fired for holding the line on scientific integrity.” She expressed concern over Kennedy’s intentions, alleging that he seeks to reverse years of progress in public health that have resulted in the near eradication of diseases such as measles and whooping cough. “The question before us is whether we will keep faith with our children and grandchildren ensuring they remain safe from the diseases we fought so hard to defeat,” Monarez added.

Joining her in the hearing was Debra Houry, the former chief medical officer at the CDC, who resigned in protest of Kennedy’s stance on vaccines. Houry emphasized that Kennedy’s approach could significantly undermine public health efforts to combat preventable diseases and manage future pandemics. She commended the Operation Warp Speed initiative, which fast-tracked vaccine development during the COVID-19 crisis, stating, “Operation Warp Speed saved millions of lives and was absolutely a godsend for our country.”

The hearing took place as Kennedy continues to face scrutiny over his management of health agencies. Despite pledging to lawmakers that he would not implement drastic changes to vaccine policies, Kennedy has since dismissed all members of a key advisory panel. This panel is slated to convene soon to discuss potential new guidelines for vaccines, including those for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox, raising concerns about the future of vaccination protocols and insurance coverage for these essential health measures.

Monarez plans to further allege that Kennedy directed her to terminate several high-ranking officials at the CDC without just cause, a request she refused to comply with. Kennedy has countered these accusations, claiming that Monarez acknowledged she was “untrustworthy,” a statement she has denied. He also admitted during a contentious Senate hearing earlier this month that he instructed Monarez to dismiss certain CDC officials.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of Kennedy’s leadership and the potential shifts in vaccine policy remain a critical concern for public health officials and the general population alike. Monarez’s testimony highlights the ongoing debate surrounding vaccination and the role of health agencies in safeguarding public health in the United States.