RFK Jr.’s new CDC deputy director prefers “natural immunity” over vaccines
In a controversial move, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director, under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine advocate. This decision has drawn immediate criticism from public health experts, who labeled it “dangerous” and “irresponsible.” However, some analysts argue that the appointment could have been worse, as highlighted by physician Jeremy Faust in his newsletter, *Inside Medicine*. Faust noted that a source within the CDC indicated that there were “way worse names floated” for the position, suggesting that while Abraham’s views are concerning, his experience in public health may offer some redeeming qualities.
Despite his appointment, Abraham’s track record raises significant alarm. Under his leadership, the Louisiana health department faced criticism for its delayed response to a deadly whooping cough outbreak, taking months to inform the public. Furthermore, Abraham has openly expressed anti-vaccine sentiments, stating earlier this year that he does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines, favoring “natural immunity” instead. His administration also took the controversial step of halting the promotion of mass vaccinations, including seasonal flu shots, which is contrary to widely accepted public health practices. This combination of actions has led to skepticism about his ability to effectively support the CDC’s mission to protect public health and combat vaccine misinformation.
As the CDC grapples with the ongoing challenges of vaccine hesitancy and public health communication, Abraham’s appointment underscores the growing divide within health leadership regarding vaccination policies. Experts worry that his anti-vaccine stance could undermine public trust in the CDC, particularly at a time when the agency is striving to counter misinformation and encourage vaccination. As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how Abraham’s leadership impacts the CDC’s efforts in promoting public health initiatives and managing future health crises.
Under ardent anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director—a choice that was immediately called “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” yet not as bad as it could have been, by experts.
Physician Jeremy Faust revealed the appointment in his newsletter
Inside Medicine
yesterday, which was subsequently confirmed by journalists. Faust noted that a CDC source told him, “I heard way worse names floated,” and although Abraham’s views are “probably pretty terrible,” he at least has had relevant experience running a public health system, unlike other current leaders of the agency.
But Abraham hasn’t exactly been running a health system the way most public health experts would recommend. Under Abraham’s leadership, the Louisiana health department
waited months
to inform residents about a deadly whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak. He also has a clear record of anti-vaccine views. Earlier this year, he told
a Louisiana news outlet
he doesn’t recommend COVID-19 vaccines because “I prefer natural immunity.” In February, he ordered the health department to
stop promoting mass vaccinations
, including flu shots, and barred staff from running seasonal vaccine campaigns.
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