CDC director fired for resisting pressure on vaccine recommendations

In the United States, on September 17, 2025, former CDC director Susan Monarez testified before a Senate committee regarding her recent dismissal from her position just 29 days after her confirmation. Monarez explained that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressured her to support new vaccine recommendations based on political motivations rather than scientific evidence. She stated that Kennedy had demanded her prior approval of these recommendations from a controversial advisory panel, which she found to be inconsistent with her commitment to scientific integrity. Monarez claimed this ultimatum was a significant factor leading to her termination. During her testimony, Monarez detailed discussions in which Kennedy insisted that decisions on vaccines must align with his authority rather than established scientific data. She noted that he characterized CDC employees as corrupt and claimed they were harming children, which further fueled her objections to his directives. Monarez refused to comply with the demands for blanket endorsements of the panel's recommendations, leading to her being ousted from the CDC. She expressed that taking these dictates would have compromised her integrity and the scientific credibility of the agency. The testimony also highlighted the broader implications for public health policy under Kennedy's leadership. Monarez's accusations suggest a significant shift in how vaccine recommendations could be made, with political influences overshadowing scientific assessments. The Senate committee was particularly concerned about the potential impact this turmoil could have on children's health, as the CDC is responsible for making crucial vaccine recommendations affecting various diseases. The hearing provided an opportunity not only for Monarez to present her case but also for senators to question the integrity of the current vaccine policies being proposed. Overall, Monarez's dismissal and the surrounding events raised serious questions about the future of vaccine guidance and the role of political appointees in public health decision-making. Her testimony may prompt further investigations into the actions of Health Secretary Kennedy and whether his approach aligns with public health interests or political agendas. Senators emphasized the need for oversight at the CDC to protect scientific integrity in making vaccine recommendations amidst rising tensions over health policies in the country.