Senator Murray Questions RFK Jr.'s CDC Vaccine Guidance & Lack of Data

Controversial Vaccine Guidance Rollout

• 💡 In May, Secretary Kennedy announced on social media that the COVID vaccine would no longer be recommended under CDC guidelines for most children and pregnant women.
• 📌 The CDC's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Debra Houry, learned about this significant change in vaccine guidance via social media, similar to the public, highlighting a lack of internal communication.
• ⚠️ This immediate announcement led to real-world harm, with a pregnant nurse in Senator Murray's state being turned away from pharmacies when trying to get vaccinated.

Absence of Scientific Data

• 🔬 Dr. Houry stated that the CDC had not received the data to support the new COVID vaccine recommendations, despite repeated requests.
• 📝 She also noted that a written memo from HHS differed from the video announcement, and that guidance could not be prudently implemented from a tweet.
• 🚫 Both Dr. Monarez and Dr. Houry confirmed they were unaware of any scientific evidence to support proposed changes to the childhood vaccine schedule for measles, chickenpox, or hepatitis B.

Concerns Over New ACIP Committee

• 🔑 Senator Murray highlighted the irony of Secretary Kennedy firing the previous ACIP members for being a "rubber stamp" while simultaneously asking former CDC officials to pre-approve new recommendations without data.
• 🧠 Former CDC officials expressed significant concerns about the newly reconstituted ACIP, questioning whether its members possess the commensurate backgrounds and expertise to evaluate data appropriately.
• 📊 Dr. Houry raised issues regarding lack of transparency and public input, noting that the public hadn't weighed in, work groups were absent (except for COVID), and data for decisions had not been posted.