School starts next week in most Northeast states, and the number of unvaccinated children continues to rise thanks to a campaign of disinformation about health problems caused by certain vaccines, notably MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). This week following the firing of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez because she refused to fire top scientists at the CDC and to change vaccine policy. She will be replaced by Jim O’Neill, a technology investor. Surely a great day for medicine!
In response to the anti-vaccine campaign of RFK, Jr., three top CDC medical doctors resigned in protest. Earlier this month, a gunman discharged hundreds of rounds of ammunition at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, but RFK, Jr., gave no support to those whose lives were threatened by the gunman.
Moreover, respected scientists and doctors have been removed from various health policy committees, and public health officials have been disparaged. We will all pay when the next pandemic hits thanks to the new program of listening to witch doctors who have no medical or scientific training.
Prayer for the Day
Wrapped in myths and disinformation, we feel like lost sheep, O God,
For we want easy answers in the midst of difficult questions;
Struggling with uncertainty, we hear conflicting responses,
To hard questions posed by our past experience.
You made us sentient beings, O Lord, so we would think,
But there are so many who would close off our minds.
In the name of the One who opens us to question,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The recent term of reference for the COVID vaccine work group created by this ACIP puts people of dubious intent and more dubious scientific rigor in charge of recommending vaccine policy to a director hamstrung and sidelined by an authoritarian leader. Their desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults. Their base should be the people they serve not a political voting bloc.
Demetre C. Daskalakis MD MPH, resignation letter August 28, 2025
The current administration has made it very difficult for me to stay. We have been asked to revise and to review and change studies that have been settled in the past, scientific findings that were there to help guide vaccine decisions.
Daniel Jernigan, MD, MPH, in resignation latter, August 28, 2025
I really believe that, if we can follow data, science, have more involvement of the public, that we would increase the trust [in public health]. I think when there’s talks around, don’t trust the experts, as the secretary recently said, that doesn’t help build trust in the work we are doing.
Debra Houry, MD, former Asst. Director CDC on PBS Newshour
Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit;
From you let my vindication come;
Let your eyes see the right.
Psalm 17: 1-2