RFK Jr. was ‘never’ briefed by experts on vaccine preventable diseases: CDC official who resigned

Concerns Regarding CDC's Integrity - A former CDC official resigned, citing concerns that the CDC is being transformed into a "weaponized organization" driven by ideological goals rather than public health [3] - The resignation was partly due to the perceived loss of a "firewall between ideology and science" at the CDC, particularly with the departure of Susan Manares [4] - There are fears that science at the CDC will be "contaminated by ideology," especially in the vaccine space [5] - The official expressed concern that HHS policies do not reflect scientific reality [5] - The official believes there is an "irresistible force" making it impossible for the CDC to maintain the validity of its science against ideology, especially regarding vaccines [6] - There are concerns about the appointment of individuals lacking scientific experience to positions of influence at the CDC, potentially allowing bias to influence scientific recommendations [8] Vaccine-Related Concerns - The official fears that trust in the CDC, especially in the vaccine space, will erode due to attacks and misinformation [9][10] - The official suggests cross-checking CDC information with clinicians and professional organizations [10][11][12] - Concerns were raised about Secretary Kennedy pushing disputed claims linking vaccines to autism, which has been debunked by science [13] - Secretary Kennedy made inaccurate statements about mRNA vaccines, claiming they "didn't do anything in the pandemic" and are "the most dangerous vaccines known to humanity" [14] - There are concerns about potential retrofitting of data to support conclusions linking vaccines to autism and other diseases [15] - The official mentioned concerns about alum and thimerosal being targeted as harmful vaccine components despite scientific evidence to the contrary [16][17] Lack of Communication and Briefings - Secretary Kennedy has never been briefed by CDC experts on diseases, specifically vaccine-preventable diseases [22] - The official offered briefings on measles, H5N1 (bird flu), and vaccines in general, but these offers were not taken up [20][21] - The official questions who is briefing Secretary Kennedy if not the CDC experts [23] - Secretary Kennedy has made statements about vaccines that contradict the information provided by CDC experts [24] Optimism and Recommendations - The official hopes that the public can still trust the CDC but is concerned, especially regarding vaccines [9] - The official expresses optimism that the acting CDC director, Jim O'Neal, will engage with scientists and support science-based decision-making [27][28][29] - The official hopes that elected officials will take action to protect the health of America rather than focusing on ideologies [31][32]