Overview

• Susan Monarez testified she was removed 29 days after taking office for refusing to preapprove advisory recommendations and to dismiss senior CDC career officials.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denied ordering preapproval of vaccine guidance and labeled Monarez untrustworthy, while acknowledging he directed her to fire several senior officials.
• Monarez said Kennedy told her he had spoken with the White House several times about the matter and insisted she would have to comply or resign.
• A reconstituted CDC vaccine advisory committee is set to meet in Atlanta to consider COVID-19, hepatitis B, and varicella guidance, with acting director Jim O’Neill responsible for any endorsement.
• Senate overseers, led by Chair Bill Cassidy, are probing how the leadership turmoil and panel changes could affect children’s health and the CDC’s scientific integrity.