Scott Gottlieb, who served as head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during President-elect Donald Trump's first term, expressed concern about the selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). His anti-vaccine claims.
“If RFK follows through on his intentions, and I believe he will and I believe he can,” he said in an appearance Friday. CNBC's “Squawk Box.”
“Measles, mumps and rubella immunization coverage will decline.As I said, if we reduce it by another 5%, [of vaccinations]”We could see a measles outbreak within the next year or two,” he continued.
Many fear that Kennedy, who must be confirmed by the Senate to become health secretary, will exacerbate hesitancy about vaccinating children, despite his promise not to take away vaccines. is concerned.
Gottlieb said he doesn't think Trump wants a “resurgence” of infectious diseases like measles, polio and cough. But he said doctors in the country were not prepared to offer patients a diagnosis for a disease that had been largely absent for decades, and that number could rise even further if vaccination rates fell. pointed out.
The doctor, who resigned from the FDA in 2019 before joining Pfizer's board, warned that President Kennedy could increase the spread of infectious disease with the “stroke of a pen.”
Still, he stressed that some Republicans may not share Kennedy's politics, which could block his confirmation to lead the Health Department.
“I think there's skepticism in the Republican caucus, more skepticism than what's being reported in the media right now,” he said, adding that lawmakers who oppose abortion rights dislike Kennedy's opposition. , noted that senators from agricultural states have concerns about Kennedy's policy proposals. Impact on food prices.
Gottlieb praised President Trump's selection of Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Martin McCulley to head the FDA. He emphasized his confidence in McCurry, noting that Oz has the potential to be a “transformative” person to lead the agency.
“We have some very talented players who are eligible,” he continued.
Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.
