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2d ago

Ex-CDC Director Says RFK Jr. Demanded Pre-Approval of Vaccine Advice, Costing Her Job

The testimony lands on the eve of an overhauled CDC advisory panel’s votes that could reset vaccine guidance under an acting director.

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Former Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry (left) 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. © Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Overview

  • Susan Monarez told senators she was ousted after refusing an ultimatum to pre-approve ACIP recommendations and fire career vaccine officials without cause.
  • She testified that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. required CDC policy and personnel decisions to be cleared by political staff and rebuked her for communicating with Congress.
  • Kennedy disputed her account and said he removed her for being “untrustworthy,” while acknowledging he ordered other firings, according to his earlier testimony and HHS statements.
  • The newly reconstituted ACIP convenes Thursday and Friday to consider guidance on COVID-19, hepatitis B and chickenpox, with potential changes such as delaying the hepatitis B birth dose discussed by members.
  • Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill will decide whether to endorse any votes as Senate Chair Bill Cassidy signals further oversight and plans to seek Kennedy’s response to the allegations.