A pivotal meeting on vaccine guidance is underway—and former CDC leaders are alarmed

A Pivotal Meeting on Vaccine Guidance: Former CDC Leaders Sound Alarm As the sun rose over Washington D.C. this week, a sense of unease settled over the nation's capital. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was at the center of a brewing storm, with two former leaders taking the stage to share their concerns about the agency's direction. Susan Moazed, the CDC's former director, and Debra Houry, its former chief medical officer, appeared before a Senate committee on Wednesday. Their testimony painted a stark picture: a health agency in turmoil, where employees are being instructed to turn their backs on scientific evidence. "We're at a critical juncture," Moazed warned. "If we don't get this right, the consequences will be dire." The stakes were high, as an advisory CDC panel was set to meet for two days to discuss multiple childhood vaccines. The meeting, which was underway as this article went to press, would determine the future of vaccine guidance in America. For Moazed and Houry, the alarm bells had been ringing for months. They spoke candidly about the impact of recent changes at the CDC, where they said employees were being pressured to downplay the importance of vaccines. "It's a perfect storm," Houry explained. "We're seeing a convergence of politics and ideology that's threatening the very foundation of public health." As the nation's top health agency, the CDC plays a critical role in monitoring and responding to threats to public health. But under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., some have raised concerns about his stance on vaccines. A vocal critic of vaccines, Kennedy has made claims that are not supported by scientific evidence. He has linked commonly used ingredients to autism, despite numerous studies debunking this myth. Moazed and Houry's testimony was a stark reminder of the importance of separating fact from fiction when it comes to public health policy. As they spoke, their words were met with nods of agreement from lawmakers and a sense of urgency from the public. For parents, the stakes are high. Vaccines have been proven time and again to be safe and effective in preventing preventable diseases. But if vaccine protections are weakened, the consequences could be devastating. "We're not just talking about individual health," Moazed emphasized. "We're talking about community health, economic stability – the very fabric of our society." As the meeting on childhood vaccines continues, one thing is clear: the future of public health hangs in the balance. Will we prioritize science and evidence-based decision-making, or will politics and ideology take center stage? The answer lies with the CDC's advisory panel, which will soon make recommendations on vaccine guidance. But for Moazed and Houry, the outcome is far from certain. "We're at a crossroads," Houry said, her voice laced with concern. "We can choose to follow the science or we can risk everything." As the nation waits with bated breath, one thing is clear: the health of our children – and our communities – depends on it. *Based on reporting by Technologyreview.*