HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. grilled over CDC turmoil, vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations & Access - CDC panel to review recommendations for COVID vaccine, suggesting it's only needed for older and high-risk Americans [2] - New recommendations potentially limit access to COVID boosters at pharmacies for some individuals, varying by state [3] - Concerns raised about potential difficulties in scheduling COVID boosters, especially for vulnerable populations like children with asthma [4] CDC Leadership & Policy - Former CDC Director alleges dismissal for refusing to pre-approve vaccine advisory panel recommendations, citing concerns about anti-vaccine rhetoric [4] - Secretary Kennedy defends revamping the CDC, claiming critical mistakes were made during the pandemic, leading to disastrous policies that harmed small businesses and civil liberties [6] - Secretary Kennedy questioned about the accuracy of COVID-19 death toll data due to "data chaos" from the CDC [6][7] Political & Public Opinion - Secretary Kennedy faces scrutiny regarding his views on vaccines, particularly debunked theories linking them to autism, while he claims to be "pro-medicine" but aware of potential harm [5] - White House expresses confidence in Secretary Kennedy despite heated hearing and criticism of his views on COVID-19 vaccines [8][9] - Former CDC director warns that Secretary Kennedy is dangerously undermining the institution by not being grounded in evidence and data [7]