Debra Houry, former chief medical officer and deputy director for program and science at CDC, who was one in every of a number of company officers to resign within the wake of Monarez’s firing, additionally testified throughout Wednesday’s listening to.
“I resigned as a result of CDC leaders have been decreased to rubber stamps, supporting insurance policies not primarily based in science, and placing American lives in danger. Secretary Kennedy censored CDC’s science, politicized its processes, and stripped leaders of independence. I couldn’t and in good conscience, stay beneath these circumstances,” Houry mentioned.
She additionally accused Kennedy of halting flu campaigns regardless of the severity of the 2024-2025 flu season, in addition to spreading misinformation and selling unproven remedies for measles.
Houry mentioned she realized that Kennedy had modified the CDC’s Covid-19 vaccine steerage from a social media submit on X. “CDC scientists have nonetheless not seen the scientific knowledge or justification for this variation. That’s not gold-standard science,” Houry mentioned, referring to a press release in Might that HHS will now not suggest the vaccine for wholesome youngsters and pregnant girls
Monarez mentioned Secretary Kennedy had not communicated his plans to alter the childhood vaccination schedule to her till their assembly on August 25. Monarez mentioned she instructed Kennedy that she could be open to altering the childhood vaccine schedule if the proof or science supported these adjustments. Kennedy responded that there was no present science or proof and elaborated that CDC had by no means collected that knowledge, in keeping with Monarez.
Monarez mentioned she couldn’t conform to approving ACIP suggestions earlier than figuring out what they have been. “I’ve constructed a profession on scientific integrity, and my worst worry was that I’d then be ready of approving one thing that would cut back entry to life-saving vaccines to youngsters and others who want them,” she mentioned.
This Thursday, ACIP is set to debate the hepatitis B vaccine, which has been really helpful for newborns inside 24 hours of beginning since 1991. However the committee is anticipated to vote on eradicating that advice and delaying the beginning dose of the hepatitis B vaccine till age 4.
Every year within the US, an estimated 25,000 infants are born to girls identified with the hepatitis B virus, or HBV, a critical liver an infection that may result in cirrhosis and most cancers. Earlier than the vaccine was launched, practically 20,000 infants and kids have been contaminated with HBV every year within the US. Now, fewer than 20 get the illness from their moms.
“Now that we have managed it, will we let the genie out of the bottle? If the advice goes away, and a guardian does need the vaccine, insurance coverage will now not cowl it freed from cost. She’ll be compelled to pay out of pocket,” Senator Cassidy mentioned on the conclusion of the listening to. Vaccine protection is often tied to ACIP suggestions.
Cassidy was initially hesitant about Kennedy’s nomination as HHS secretary, given his prior statements about vaccines, however he supported him after, he has mentioned, Kennedy promised to keep up vaccine availability and never undermine public belief in them.
ACIP is slated to debate Covid-19 vaccines on Friday.
