Former CDC Director Warns Against Wavering on Vaccines During Measles Outbreak
The recent measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has sparked concerns among public health officials, with a former top federal health official issuing a stark warning to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the potential consequences of wavering on vaccines and slashing federal programs during a deadly outbreak.
Tom Frieden, who served as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director for eight years under President Obama, emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance in the face of infectious diseases like measles. Speaking at the STAT Breakthrough Summit East, Frieden, who is now the president and CEO of the nonprofit Resolve to Save Lives, stressed that viruses like the measles virus do not pause and can accelerate when preventive measures are relaxed.
The Trump administration’s recent withdrawal of its nominee to lead the CDC, former Congressman Dave Weldon, due to concerns about his views on vaccines, has raised further alarms. Weldon’s questioning of the safety of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, similar to Kennedy’s theories, has added to the uncertainty surrounding vaccination policies.
Kennedy, who has expressed a personal choice stance on vaccines and suggested alternative treatments like vitamin A for measles patients, has faced criticism for his views amid the ongoing outbreak. With more than 300 reported cases and two deaths in the region, health officials warn that containing the outbreak could take up to a year.
Frieden highlighted the dangers of public mistrust in vaccines and medical experts, drawing from his experience during a measles outbreak early in his career. He emphasized the severity of measles-related complications and fatalities, debunking claims of conflicts of interest among federal advisory panel members made by Kennedy during his confirmation hearing.
While acknowledging the CDC’s missteps during the COVID-19 pandemic, Frieden urged a reevaluation of public health strategies to address rising skepticism and frustration. He emphasized the need for transparency and effective communication to rebuild trust in public health initiatives.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread, the importance of maintaining vaccination programs and public health measures remains paramount. Frieden’s warning serves as a reminder of the critical role of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases and the need for consistent support for federal health programs.
