Former White House National Monkeypox Response Deputy Coordinator Dr. Demetre Daskalakis resigned from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday, citing concerns over recent policy decisions under Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
His departure came just hours after CDC Director Susan Monarez was removed from her post, signaling a major realignment in federal public health leadership.
Observers say the simultaneous changes could have far-reaching implications for vaccination programs and public trust in the CDC.
Daskalakis criticized the administration’s changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy adults and children, which he argued were implemented without meaningful consultation with CDC experts.
He expressed concern that the updated schedule could pose risks to vulnerable populations, including “pregnant people.”
The former deputy coordinator also raised alarms about the circulation of HHS documents, such as “frequently asked questions,” that relied on unverified studies, potentially undermining the agency’s credibility and scientific standards, The Post Millennial reports.
In his resignation letter, Daskalakis explained that he could not continue serving in an environment where CDC policies were driven by political priorities rather than evidence-based science.
He described the administration’s approach as lacking transparency and proper consultation, noting that key decisions were sometimes made through social media posts or press releases rather than formal briefings with CDC staff.
He warned that such practices could erode public trust in vaccines and public health institutions.
Secretary Kennedy recently announced that the FDA would rescind the Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines while maintaining access for high-risk populations.
Kennedy framed the changes as fulfilling campaign promises to end broad mandates while keeping vaccines available for those who choose them.
Daskalakis criticized the move, arguing that these policy shifts were rolled out without sufficient scientific review or engagement with CDC subject matter experts, according to The Gateway Pundit.
The former deputy coordinator also highlighted concerns regarding advisory committees.
He noted that members were often replaced or appointed without proper vetting, which could compromise the integrity of vaccine policy recommendations.
Daskalakis said that outside organizations and unvetted experts were being prioritized over career CDC scientists, creating a climate where political agendas, rather than evidence, dictated public health decisions.
Daskalakis’ career in public health spans decades and includes significant work in HIV/AIDS awareness and vaccine outreach.
While serving in New York City, he promoted vaccination campaigns in unconventional ways, including delivering vaccines dressed in drag to increase engagement among underserved communities.
He joined the Biden administration in 2022 as the deputy coordinator for the national monkeypox response, drawing both praise and scrutiny for his unconventional outreach methods.
Framing his departure as a principled stand, Daskalakis warned that prioritizing political considerations over scientific evidence could threaten public health and diminish the efforts of career CDC staff.
He emphasized that the erosion of trust in vaccines and the manipulation of data could lead to preventable illness and death.
In his letter, he expressed hope that the agency would realign with evidence-based practices and restore credibility with the American public.
The resignation of Daskalakis, alongside the removal of Monarez and the rollback of broad vaccine mandates, represents a pivotal moment in U.S. federal health policy.
Experts say these leadership changes may impact not only vaccination programs but also the CDC’s ability to respond effectively to emerging public health threats.
Observers will be closely watching how these developments influence both agency operations and public confidence in the nation’s health infrastructure.
The post Biden-Era CDC Official in Charge of Respiratory and Immunization Programs Steps Down, Citing ‘Pregnant People’ in New Guidance appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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