Fmr. CDC vaccine chief warns of an ‘existential risk to public health’

NBC NewsWednesday, September 17, 2025 at 8:44:01 PM
NegativeU.S News
Fmr. CDC vaccine chief warns of an ‘existential risk to public health’
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the former CDC vaccine chief, has raised alarms about a potential 'existential risk to public health' following the firing of Susan Monarez. In a recent appearance on Meet the Press NOW, he expressed concerns that the integrity of vaccine data from the CDC could be compromised. This situation is critical as it highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust in health data, especially in a time when accurate information is vital for public safety.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
CDC vaccine panel vote has lawmakers, former staff on edge
NeutralU.S News
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel, recently reshaped by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is convening this Thursday and Friday to discuss potential changes to childhood vaccination schedules. This meeting has lawmakers and former staff feeling anxious, as any adjustments could have significant implications for public health and vaccination policies. The outcome of these discussions is crucial, as it may influence how vaccines are administered to children across the country.
Key takeaways on CDC hearing: Vaccine moves, experts sidelined, GOP attacks
NegativeU.S News
In a recent CDC hearing, Susan Monarez revealed troubling details about her abrupt removal as the agency's head, claiming that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prioritized political interests over public health. This situation raises significant concerns about the integrity of health leadership and the potential risks to public safety, especially as the nation navigates ongoing health challenges.
RFK Jr and red flags: key moments from ousted CDC director’s testimony
NegativeU.S News
In a heated congressional hearing, former CDC leaders Susan Monarez and Debra Houry criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposed changes to the public health system. Monarez, who was ousted shortly after taking office, and Houry, who resigned after a decade, highlighted the potential threats to public health posed by Kennedy's views on vaccines. Their testimony underscores the ongoing debate over vaccine safety and public health policy, which is crucial as the nation navigates health crises.
RFK Jr.’s shakeup of public health was ‘longtime overdue,’ says physician GOP Rep.
PositiveU.S News
GOP Rep. Greg Murphy from North Carolina praises Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for instigating a much-needed change in public health agencies, describing it as a 'healthy disruption.' This comes in the wake of former CDC Director Susan Monarez's comments following her removal, highlighting the ongoing debates about leadership and direction in public health. The significance of this shift is crucial as it reflects broader concerns about how public health is managed and the need for reform.
Why CDC employees are afraid under RFK Jr.'s leadership
NegativeU.S News
Former CDC Director Susan Monarez's recent testimony to the Senate has raised serious concerns about the leadership of RFK Jr. She revealed that he pressured her to approve vaccines without proper scrutiny, creating a climate of fear among CDC employees. This situation is alarming as it undermines the integrity of public health decisions and could have lasting implications for vaccine trust and safety.
Rand Paul grills former CDC Director Susan Monarez on vaccine requirements for 6-month-olds
NegativeU.S News
Senator Rand Paul recently confronted former CDC Director Susan Monarez over vaccine requirements for infants as young as six months. He accused her of being dismissed for prioritizing bureaucratic interests in vaccination policies. This exchange highlights ongoing tensions in public health discussions, particularly around childhood vaccinations, and raises questions about the influence of political agendas on health decisions.
Ex-CDC boss Susan Monarez accuses RFK Jr. of firing her after she voiced fears over his hand-picked vaccine panel to Congress
NegativeU.S News
Former CDC Director Susan Monarez has publicly accused Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of firing her after she raised concerns about his vaccine panel. This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding vaccine policies and the influence of political figures in public health decisions. Monarez's claims challenge Kennedy's narrative about her departure, raising questions about transparency and accountability in health leadership.
FBI Director Patel faces bipartisan questioning on Epstein in House hearing
NeutralU.S News
FBI Director Kash Patel's recent testimony on Capitol Hill has drawn bipartisan attention as lawmakers scrutinize the agency's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. This hearing is significant as it reflects ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in high-profile cases, especially those involving powerful figures. The questioning aims to uncover how the FBI handled the Epstein case and what measures are being taken to prevent similar oversights in the future.
Cassidy sounds warning over ACIP vote on Hep B vaccine
NegativeU.S News
Senator Bill Cassidy has raised concerns about the potential risks of Hepatitis B infections in infants as a federal vaccine advisory panel prepares to discuss and vote on changes to the immunization schedule. This meeting is crucial because it could impact how the virus is managed in young children, highlighting the importance of maintaining effective vaccination strategies to protect public health.
California, West Coast states roll out their own vaccine guidance amid clash with CDC
PositiveU.S News
California and other West Coast states are taking a bold step by introducing their own vaccine guidance, diverging from the CDC's recommendations. This move comes alongside a significant proposal from lawmakers for a $23 billion science funding plan, highlighting the state's commitment to public health and scientific advancement. This is important as it reflects a proactive approach to managing health crises and investing in future innovations.
RFK Jr’s actions hindering US ability to respond to outbreaks, say ousted CDC officials
NegativeU.S News
Former officials from the CDC have raised serious concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership, claiming that his actions are undermining the agency's ability to effectively respond to health outbreaks. They testified before the US Senate, arguing that the policies being supported under Kennedy are not grounded in scientific evidence. This situation is critical as it could impact public health responses during future outbreaks, highlighting the importance of science-based decision-making in health policy.
Fired CDC chief Susan Monarez warns senators that RFK Jr. is endangering public health
NegativeU.S News
Former CDC chief Susan Monarez has raised alarms about the potential dangers to America's public health under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his anti-vaccine advisers. During a recent Senate hearing, she expressed concerns that their leadership could lead the public health system into a perilous situation. This warning is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate over vaccine policies and public health strategies, emphasizing the need for informed leadership in health matters.
Latest from U.S News
The Memo: Obama enters post-Charlie Kirk debate with ‘crisis’ warning
NegativeU.S News
Former President Obama's recent comments about the United States facing a 'political crisis' highlight the deep divisions in American society following the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk. His remarks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges the nation faces in uniting amidst such turmoil. This intervention is significant as it reflects the urgency of addressing these divisions and the potential implications for the political landscape moving forward.
CDC vaccine panel vote has lawmakers, former staff on edge
NeutralU.S News
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel, recently reshaped by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is convening this Thursday and Friday to discuss potential changes to childhood vaccination schedules. This meeting has lawmakers and former staff feeling anxious, as any adjustments could have significant implications for public health and vaccination policies. The outcome of these discussions is crucial, as it may influence how vaccines are administered to children across the country.
FBI director Kash Patel fails to recognize name of Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof in Senate questioning – live
NegativeU.S News
FBI Director Kash Patel faced criticism during a Senate hearing when he failed to recall the name of Dylann Roof, the white supremacist responsible for the tragic 2015 Charleston church shooting that claimed nine Black lives. This incident highlights concerns about the FBI's leadership and awareness of significant hate crimes, especially as the nation grapples with ongoing racial tensions. Additionally, the article touches on Donald Trump's claims regarding a deal with China to keep TikTok operational in the U.S., raising questions about data privacy and control over social media platforms.
House tables Mace push to remove Omar from committees over Kirk comments
NegativeU.S News
The House recently decided to table a resolution proposed by Rep. Nancy Mace aimed at reprimanding Rep. Ilhan Omar and removing her from committee assignments. This move came after Mace accused Omar of making harmful comments about Charlie Kirk, suggesting he was responsible for his own murder. This situation highlights ongoing tensions in Congress and raises questions about accountability and the impact of social media on political discourse.
Democrats say shutdown necessary to send ‘message’ to Trump
NegativeU.S News
Democratic senators are asserting that a government shutdown may be the only way to send a strong message to President Trump if Republicans proceed with their plan for a clean seven-week continuing resolution. This situation is significant as it highlights the growing tensions between the parties and the potential impact on government operations, which could affect millions of Americans.
Newsom office fires back after Trump low-income housing claim: 'Take your dementia meds'
NegativeU.S News
California Governor Gavin Newsom's office has pushed back against former President Donald Trump's recent claims regarding low-income housing in wildfire-affected areas of Los Angeles. Trump's comments, made on his Truth Social platform, were dismissed by Newsom's team as fabrications, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two leaders. This exchange is significant as it underscores the political divide over housing issues and disaster recovery in California, especially in the wake of devastating wildfires.