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2h ago

Ex-CDC Chief Says RFK Jr. Sought Blanket Sign-Off on Vaccine Policy as Overhauled Panel Meets

Lawmakers warn that impending guidance changes could curb access to routine childhood shots.

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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) Former Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry and former Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Susan Monarez testify before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee is hearing testimony from fired CDC employees and the implications on children’s health. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Testifying to the Senate, Susan Monarez said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanded she pre-approve all ACIP recommendations and fire career vaccine officials without cause.
  • HHS disputed her account, saying any revisions to the childhood schedule will be based on science and accusing Monarez of distorting their exchange.
  • ACIP, now 12 members handpicked after Kennedy removed the prior 17, is meeting Sept. 18–19 to consider hepatitis B, COVID-19, and MMRV guidance, including a potential delay of the hepatitis B birth dose.
  • Former CDC chief medical officer Debra Houry told senators she has seen no data supporting changes such as delaying the birth dose and warned such moves could increase preventable disease risks.
  • Senators and experts cautioned that weakening recommendations could end no-cost insurance coverage and reduce access through the Vaccines for Children program, with final approval currently resting with acting CDC director Jim O’Neill.