CDC Names Anti-Vaccine Surgeon General as Deputy Director, Despite Critics' Fears.
In a move that has raised eyebrows among health experts and vaccine advocates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director. Abraham, who is known for his anti-vaccine views, was chosen by CDC Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has become increasingly vocal about his opposition to vaccines.
Abraham's appointment has been met with criticism from some experts, who describe it as "dangerous" and "irresponsible." However, others argue that Abraham's experience running a public health system makes him a more viable candidate than other alternatives.
The CDC source told physician Jeremy Faust, who revealed the news in his newsletter Inside Medicine, that he had heard of worse names being considered for the position. While Abraham's views on vaccines are undoubtedly troubling, at least he has relevant experience in public health, unlike some of Kennedy's allies.
Under Abraham's leadership, the Louisiana health department waited months to inform residents about a deadly whooping cough outbreak, and he has also been a vocal advocate for natural immunity over vaccines. He told a news outlet earlier this year that he does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines because "I prefer natural immunity." In February, he ordered the health department to stop promoting mass vaccinations, including flu shots.
Abraham's record on vaccines is far from reassuring, but it's worth noting that some of his views may align more closely with those of the CDC than others. He is a big fan of using anti-malarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine and de-worming medications like ivermectin to treat COVID-19, despite studies showing their ineffectiveness in treating the virus.
In fact, Abraham was one of the top prescribers of ivermectin among physicians in Louisiana in 2021. His views on vaccines are closely aligned with those of Kennedy, who is working to reshape the CDC in his image. Last week, Kennedy directed the CDC to rewrite one of its webpages to falsely link vaccines to autism.
Overall, Abraham's appointment raises concerns about the direction of the CDC and the potential influence of anti-vaccine ideology within the agency. As the new principal deputy director, he will play a significant role in shaping the CDC's policies and priorities.
In a move that has raised eyebrows among health experts and vaccine advocates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director. Abraham, who is known for his anti-vaccine views, was chosen by CDC Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has become increasingly vocal about his opposition to vaccines.
Abraham's appointment has been met with criticism from some experts, who describe it as "dangerous" and "irresponsible." However, others argue that Abraham's experience running a public health system makes him a more viable candidate than other alternatives.
The CDC source told physician Jeremy Faust, who revealed the news in his newsletter Inside Medicine, that he had heard of worse names being considered for the position. While Abraham's views on vaccines are undoubtedly troubling, at least he has relevant experience in public health, unlike some of Kennedy's allies.
Under Abraham's leadership, the Louisiana health department waited months to inform residents about a deadly whooping cough outbreak, and he has also been a vocal advocate for natural immunity over vaccines. He told a news outlet earlier this year that he does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines because "I prefer natural immunity." In February, he ordered the health department to stop promoting mass vaccinations, including flu shots.
Abraham's record on vaccines is far from reassuring, but it's worth noting that some of his views may align more closely with those of the CDC than others. He is a big fan of using anti-malarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine and de-worming medications like ivermectin to treat COVID-19, despite studies showing their ineffectiveness in treating the virus.
In fact, Abraham was one of the top prescribers of ivermectin among physicians in Louisiana in 2021. His views on vaccines are closely aligned with those of Kennedy, who is working to reshape the CDC in his image. Last week, Kennedy directed the CDC to rewrite one of its webpages to falsely link vaccines to autism.
Overall, Abraham's appointment raises concerns about the direction of the CDC and the potential influence of anti-vaccine ideology within the agency. As the new principal deputy director, he will play a significant role in shaping the CDC's policies and priorities.
. I mean, he's got some seriously concerning views on vaccines and public health. Like, what if he uses his experience to push anti-vaccine propaganda? 
It would be a disaster for our community. And can we talk about how Robert F Kennedy Jr is basically pushing this guy's agenda at the CDC? 
Not cool, RFK Jr! I just want to see some real expert advice on vaccines and public health from the CDC, not someone who thinks natural immunity is better than science-backed medicine 
anyway, i guess it's good that they're shaking things up around there... or so they say 
abraham's got some sketchy views on vaccines and stuff, but hey at least he knows a thing or two about public health from his days in louisiana. idk man, i just want to make sure the cdc is still doing its job without all the drama 
like what if he tries to change all the vaccine protocols or something? 
honestly I'm just really worried about what this means for vaccine policy in general 
has anyone else seen this news? 
Like, just considering the potential risks and benefits of vaccines is a basic skill in public health, right?
I mean, I get that he might think he's doing what's best for public health, but sometimes you just have to trust the science and not your personal feelings on it.
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. I guess only time will tell if he's going to be more of a liability than an asset 
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. I hope Jeremy Faust is keeping an eye on this one 
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. It doesn't seem like the best fit for someone as important as the principal deputy director. Plus, there's this whole thing about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. having his own agenda and not being transparent about it... that's pretty sketchy 
. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out 
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, who needs experience running a public health system when you've got anti-vaxx views that are gonna polarize the nation like nothing else? 
I'm all for giving Ralph Abraham a shot (pun intended), but have we considered the optics of having an anti-vaxx surgeon general on our side? 
I mean, Kennedy's at it again, trying to rewrite science and history to fit his narrative. It's like he's playing the role of Nixon's "Enemies List" guy, minus the paranoia 
i hope they have some backup plans in place or we're in for a world of hurt 
what kinda public health system does that even represent?! 