'Most Republicans' privately would say RFK Jr. 'is a disaster': Ex-GOP lawmaker

Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Health Concerns - The discussion highlights confusion surrounding COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing the need for clear guidance, especially for high-risk individuals, children under 2 years old, and pregnant women [2][3] - The industry expresses concern that muddled CDC guidance may lead to confusion and hinder vaccine availability at drugstores [4] - There are concerns about a potential "wholesale assault on vaccines," with fears that the HHS Secretary doesn't believe in the germ theory of disease and is dismantling the vaccine ecosystem [20] - The industry anticipates a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases due to decreased vaccination rates [21] Political and Governmental Oversight - The report suggests scrutiny of HHS Secretary Kennedy's views on vaccines and potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding promises made to Senator Cassidy [4][7] - Senator Cassidy is expected to conduct aggressive oversight of the HHS, potentially pushing back against anti-vaccine rhetoric [10] - Republicans privately express concerns about RFK Jr's views on vaccines, despite public appearances [12][13] - There is a perception that some Republicans are hesitant to criticize the HHS Secretary due to political considerations [9] Impact on Public Trust and Global Health Leadership - The industry emphasizes the importance of public trust in the CDC and HHS as gold standards for health guidance, not only in the United States but globally [14] - Concerns are raised that moving away from science, data, and evidence towards unscientific approaches is troubling [15] - The industry fears that dismantling the CDC could lead to the spread of anti-vaccine disinformation [22] - The report warns that the current situation could lead to a disaster in the event of another infectious disease outbreak, contrasting it with the success of Operation Warp Speed [22]