At least three high-ranking officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resigned on Wednesday, citing recent shifts in leadership and policy that have hindered their abilities to effectively serve in their public health roles.
The resignations coincided with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s announcement regarding new restrictions on Covid-19 vaccine access.
Resignations were submitted by Demetre C. Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Vaccination and Respiratory Diseases; Daniel Jernigan, director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases; and Deb Houry, the CDC’s chief medical officer, according to an email shared with Hill.
NBC News also indicated that Dr. Jen Layden, who led the Department of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology, has stepped down as well.
In his resignation email, Daskalakis expressed, “Due to the ongoing challenges in public health, we cannot perform our responsibilities.”
Daskalakis gained public attention during the 2022 MPOX outbreak, steering the U.S. response to that illness affecting social networks of men who have sex with men.
Houry’s email pointed to political interference undermining scientific integrity at agencies, emphasizing that such actions risk amplifying vaccine-related dangers, jeopardizing essential public health benefits.
“CDC science must never be subject to censorship or political interpretation, for the benefit of the nation and the world. Vaccines save lives; this is a well-established scientific fact,” she wrote.
She further noted that recent incidents, such as the measles outbreak and violent actions against public health workers, highlight how exaggerated risks and misinformation could lead to loss of life.
Jernigan stated, “I have always believed in the public health mission and the leadership at the CDC throughout nearly 80 years. However, in light of the current departmental context, resigning feels like the right choice.”
Attempts to reach the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for comment on his departure were made.
This wave of resignations follows a recent shooting at the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters, with Kennedy facing criticism for his delayed response and accusations of fostering negative sentiments toward public health officials. He had previously referred to the CDC as “a cesspool of corruption” during the contentious presidential campaign.
Monares, a veteran government scientist, had just been appointed as the CDC’s director but was dismissed from the position within a month.
“Susan Monares is no longer the director of the CDC. We appreciate Americans’ commitment. @seckennedy holds complete faith in his team at @CDCGOV.”
That same day, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew its Emergency Use Authorization for the Covid-19 vaccine.
