CDC Names Surgeon General as Deputy Director, Despite "Dangerous" Views on Vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a choice that experts describe as "dangerous" but not entirely alarming. The decision has sparked concern among public health advocates, who are worried about the implications for vaccine policies and research at the CDC.
Abraham has been vocal in his opposition to vaccines, stating in February that he does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines because he prefers natural immunity. He has also expressed skepticism about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, which is a departure from the mainstream scientific consensus on the matter.
In addition to his anti-vaccine views, Abraham's leadership style has been criticized by public health experts, who have pointed out that during his time as head of the Louisiana Department of Health, he delayed informing residents about a deadly pertussis outbreak for several months. He also ordered the department to stop promoting mass vaccinations and barred staff from running seasonal vaccine campaigns.
Despite these concerns, Abraham's appointment at the CDC has been seen by some experts as a more palatable option compared to other candidates considered for the position. Physician Jeremy Faust pointed out that while Abraham's views on vaccines are "probably pretty terrible," he at least has relevant experience in public health policy.
However, the appointment is part of a broader effort by Kennedy Jr. to reshape the CDC and promote unproven ideas about COVID-19 treatment, including the use of anti-malarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. The agency's website was recently rewritten to falsely link vaccines to autism, which has been widely discredited by scientific experts.
The appointment of Abraham as deputy director at the CDC is a significant development in Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to push his anti-vaccine agenda within the agency. It remains to be seen how he will implement these views and policies during his tenure, but public health advocates are likely to closely monitor any developments that may impact vaccine policy or research at the CDC.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a choice that experts describe as "dangerous" but not entirely alarming. The decision has sparked concern among public health advocates, who are worried about the implications for vaccine policies and research at the CDC.
Abraham has been vocal in his opposition to vaccines, stating in February that he does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines because he prefers natural immunity. He has also expressed skepticism about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, which is a departure from the mainstream scientific consensus on the matter.
In addition to his anti-vaccine views, Abraham's leadership style has been criticized by public health experts, who have pointed out that during his time as head of the Louisiana Department of Health, he delayed informing residents about a deadly pertussis outbreak for several months. He also ordered the department to stop promoting mass vaccinations and barred staff from running seasonal vaccine campaigns.
Despite these concerns, Abraham's appointment at the CDC has been seen by some experts as a more palatable option compared to other candidates considered for the position. Physician Jeremy Faust pointed out that while Abraham's views on vaccines are "probably pretty terrible," he at least has relevant experience in public health policy.
However, the appointment is part of a broader effort by Kennedy Jr. to reshape the CDC and promote unproven ideas about COVID-19 treatment, including the use of anti-malarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. The agency's website was recently rewritten to falsely link vaccines to autism, which has been widely discredited by scientific experts.
The appointment of Abraham as deputy director at the CDC is a significant development in Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to push his anti-vaccine agenda within the agency. It remains to be seen how he will implement these views and policies during his tenure, but public health advocates are likely to closely monitor any developments that may impact vaccine policy or research at the CDC.
. As a public health professional myself, I've always relied on evidence-based information and the scientific consensus when it comes to vaccine policies. Abraham's views on vaccines are not only misguided but also potentially damaging to public health 
. The fact that he was able to secure a high-profile role at the CDC despite his "dangerous" views is concerning. What's even more alarming is the broader agenda of Kennedy Jr., who seems to be pushing unproven ideas about COVID-19 treatment 
. I just hope that Abraham doesn't bring those same ideologies to his new role and that the agency remains committed to evidence-based decision-making 
.
especially when its about vaccines we cant just ignore all the science and evidence just because someone thinks natural immunity is better 
ralph abraham's views on this stuff are straight outta a bad movie script idk what robert kennedy jr is tryin to prove but if hes gonna push his anti-vaccine agenda its only gonna make things worse 
what's next? telling people not to wash their hands because germs are invisible 
anyway, lets keep an eye on this and hope the experts at cdc can bring some sense back to vaccine policy 
. I get that everyone has different opinions, but vaccines are crucial in protecting us from serious diseases 
. It's concerning to see someone with anti-vaccine views being appointed as the deputy director 
. Can't we have people with differing views without compromising the scientific foundation of the CDC? 
I hope the health secretary will keep an eye on things and ensure that vaccine policies are based on evidence, not rumors or misconceptions 
i remember when it was still a legit covid treatment back in 2020 lol. this is just a recipe for disaster 
. but honestly, i'm not holding my breath 
. So, basically they're putting someone who thinks vaccines aren't safe in charge of helping run the place... it doesn't seem right to me. I mean, he's been saying some pretty out-there stuff about not recommending COVID-19 vaccines because he prefers natural immunity, which is just not supported by science 
.
. I get that we should be open to different opinions and all that, but come on, Ralph Abraham is like a one-man misinformation machine 
. And let's not forget about his track record of delaying important info during a pertussis outbreak 
... it's just super concerning. And now he's basically second-in-command at the CDC? This could be a disaster for public health, you know? The guy's got some pretty "terrible" views on vaccines and stuff 
... but hey, I guess if someone's gotta fill that spot, him being there might actually make things slightly less awful 
.
. I mean, what's next? Anti-vax propaganda on the agency's website? It's like they're trying to undermine public health efforts and confuse people about vaccine safety. As a nurse, I've seen firsthand the devastation caused by preventable diseases, and it's alarming that we're going back on tried-and-true methods 
, I hope they can still do their job without pushing those "dangerous" ideas 
! The CDC needs to stay focused on science-backed policies and not get swayed by unproven treatments 
i'm low-key freaking out just thinking about it 
abraham's views are literally "dangerous" and i cant even imagine him trying to push those conspiracy theories on the public 
, and this appointment only adds to those concerns 
.
... I'm also worried about what this means for vaccine research and development at the CDC. Can we really trust someone who thinks vaccines are "dangerous" with our back? 
And now he's going to be influencing vaccine policy? I'm keeping a close eye on this, tbh 
He's got some crazy ideas about COVID-19 treatment and vaccines being linked to autism 
. His "natural immunity" thing is just crazy talk 
Not sure if Abraham's appointment is a "more palatable" option, it just feels like we're giving him a bigger platform 
. Can't wait to see how this all plays out