RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine delusions—not science—steer CDC now, ex-director testifies

The former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Richard Besser, has testified before the Senate that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine views are now guiding the agency's policies. Besser expressed concern that the CDC is being influenced by misinformation and pseudoscience, rather than relying on sound scientific evidence. Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaccine activist, has been lobbying lawmakers and spreading false claims about vaccine safety. Besser warned that this "anti-vaccine delusion" poses a serious threat to public health, as it could undermine confidence in vaccines and lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases. The former CDC director stressed the importance of basing public health decisions on rigorous scientific research and the expertise of medical professionals. He called for the CDC to prioritize vaccine safety and effectiveness, and to resist political pressure from anti-vaccine advocates. The testimony highlights the ongoing battle between science and misinformation, and the critical role that the CDC plays in protecting the health and well-being of the public.