TL/DR –
Former CDC immunizations head, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, resigned from his position in protest over leadership changes, including the removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, and the direction of the agency under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s supervision. Dr. Daskalakis expressed concern over the ideological direction the agency is taking, particularly in relation to vaccinations, noting that there is no longer a separation of science and political ideology within the agency. Another former acting director of the CDC, Dr. Richard Besser, shares these concerns, fearing for public health in the face of major shakeups at the agency, and warning against threats to public health safety, particularly in regard to opposition to vaccine mandates.
Former Immunizations Chief Expresses Concern Over CDC’s Direction
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former head of immunizations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has voiced concern regarding the path the CDC is currently on. The ex CDC official worries about the future of public health given the recent developments.
Daskalakis served as the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases before resigning last Wednesday. His departure followed the Health and Human Services’ move to remove CDC Director Susan Monarez. In his resignation, Daskalakis criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership of both institutions.
He expressed fear about the potential harm to the public due to the ideological shift at the CDC. He stated that the new members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices seem to be favoring a stance against vaccination, which he views as harmful.
He also expressed disagreement with changing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. The new guidelines approved the vaccine only for those 65 and older, and those with high-risk health conditions. This has caused confusion among other groups seeking vaccination.
According to Daskalakis, Kennedy’s leadership has blurred the lines between science and political ideology. He feared that the lack of a scientific leader would undermine the CDC’s ability to effectively manage public health crises.
Fears for Future Public Health Emergencies
Dr. Richard Besser, former acting CDC director and now CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, shares Daskalakis’ concerns amidst CDC’s major shakeup. Besser fears the impact of this change on the agency’s ability to protect Americans from public health threats.
Besser is particularly worried about Kennedy’s opposition to vaccine mandates, which he feels could jeopardize public health. He worries that allowing parental choice in vaccination could put at risk children who can’t get vaccinated due to medical conditions.
Despite these concerns, both Daskalakis and Besser remain hopeful that public health professionals will strive to maintain the highest standards of care and protection for all Americans.
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