At the CDC, a pervading feeling of distress expands

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been through a tumultuous period, with three senior officials resigning on Thursday morning in protest against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's vaccine policies.

The resignations came on the heels of the firing of the CDC's director, Susan Monarez, who was dismissed after less than a month on the job. Dr. Jim O'Neill, Kennedy's deputy, was subsequently installed as the CDC's acting director.

The officials who resigned were particularly upset over Kennedy's attempts to undermine vaccines and cut back on those that Americans can access easily. Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC's chief medical officer, and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who ran the centre that oversees respiratory illnesses and issues vaccine recommendations, also stepped down on Thursday.

Dr. Daskalakis stated that new members of the agency's vaccine advisory panel may curtail access to several vaccines, a concern shared by Dr. Daniel Jernigan, who led the centre that oversees emerging diseases and vaccine safety. Jernigan resigned before being dismissed, hoping it would allow Monarez to continue as the director.

The mood inside the CDC is described as bleak by employees, with some expressing fear for the future of the CDC and the nation's health. Some employees are terrified, blaming Kennedy for what they feel is a campaign waged against science.

Kennedy has been vocal in his criticism of the CDC, accusing its scientists of corruption and incompetence, and of hiding links between some vaccines and autism. He has also been accused of comparing immunizing children to practices in Nazi death camps.

The CDC has faced repeated criticism from lawmakers and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. This month, a gunman opened fire on CDC headquarters in Atlanta, killing a police officer. Employees gathered outside the agency on Thursday afternoon, cheering and clapping for the three officials who had quit. Some signs carried by the employees read "Save the CDC".

The new acting director of the CDC is Matt Buckham. The panel may revisit the childhood and adolescent vaccination schedules in the fall.

Employees spoke anonymously due to fear of retaliation. Despite the challenges, the CDC remains committed to its mission of protecting America from health, safety and security threats.