The CDC is no longer considered a credible source for vaccine information, according to Dr. Richard Besser, a pediatrician and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lost its credibility as a reliable source for vaccine information, according to Dr. Richard Besser, a pediatrician and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Besser expressed his concerns during a news briefing on February 20, stating, “It is absolutely heartbreaking to me to say. I worked at the CDC for 13 years with dedicated employees. But I do not recommend looking to the CDC for information around vaccines.”
His remarks come in the wake of significant changes within the CDC, particularly following the dismissal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Besser criticized the newly appointed panel, describing it as “loaded with anti-vaccine zealots,” and noted that many members lack expertise in public health or vaccination.
In recent months, there has been a resurgence of measles in the United States, a disease that was declared eradicated in 2000. This resurgence is attributed to declining vaccination rates. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported 1,099 measles cases in just the first two months of 2026, including a significant outbreak in South Carolina with 674 cases. For the entirety of 2025, the vaccine tracker recorded 2,213 measles cases, with severe outbreaks occurring in Texas, Utah, South Carolina, and Arizona.
Besser expressed alarm over ongoing efforts to remove vaccination requirements for children attending school. “To me, that is one of the most frightening ideas that I’ve seen in my lifetime,” he stated. He emphasized the potential risks for vaccinated children who may be in close proximity to unvaccinated peers, raising concerns about their health and safety.
The ACIP was scheduled to meet from February 25 to 27, but that meeting was canceled. On January 13, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) filed a lawsuit against the CDC, claiming that a memo on vaccine recommendations was not based on scientific evidence and bypassed ACIP recommendations. The lawsuit aims to halt changes to the existing vaccine schedule for children and restore it to its status as of April 15, 2025.
“Children’s health depends on vaccine recommendations based on rigorous, transparent science,” said AAP President Andrew D. Racine, M.D., Ph.D., FAAP. “Unfortunately, recent decisions by federal officials have abandoned this standard, causing unnecessary confusion for families, compromising access to lifesaving vaccines, and weakening community protection.”
In a notable shift, the AAP’s vaccine schedule for this year diverges from ACIP recommendations, particularly concerning vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, COVID-19, RSV, and the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccines. Besser advised parents to consult the AAP schedule rather than relying on the CDC.
During the briefing, Besser addressed concerns from parents who are uncertain about vaccine information. He advised, “I don’t recommend taking your medical advice from politicians. My advice is if you’re fortunate enough to have a medical provider who you know and trust, ask them what you should do.” He acknowledged the challenge many face in accessing medical care, noting a decline in the number of people with a primary care physician, which could exacerbate health disparities.
Besser also discussed the recent changes made by ACIP, which have shifted several vaccines from a category of universal recommendation to one of shared decision-making. He found this change perplexing, stating, “Every decision I made with a family was shared decision-making.” He emphasized the importance of involving families in health decisions and ensuring their questions are addressed.
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a rise in vaccine skepticism, as many individuals who received vaccinations still contracted the virus. Besser noted that during the pandemic, the CDC was largely cut off from public communication, leading to a perception that public health officials were inconsistent in their recommendations. “There was no opportunity to bring the public along and maintain trust during that pandemic,” he remarked.
Addressing the implications of ACIP Chair Dr. Kirk Milhoan’s recommendations to make polio vaccinations optional, Besser expressed concern about the potential resurgence of polio in the United States. He highlighted the global efforts to eradicate polio and the importance of ensuring every child has access to vaccines that protect their health.
Regarding Hepatitis B vaccinations, Besser described the vaccine as “miraculous,” noting its role in reducing not only hepatitis B infections but also liver cancer and cirrhosis. He criticized ACIP’s recent decision to remove the recommendation for administering the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns, warning that this could lead to a rise in hepatitis B cases in the future.
As the landscape of vaccine recommendations continues to evolve, experts like Dr. Besser urge parents to seek guidance from trusted medical professionals and stay informed through credible sources.
For further details, refer to the original report from India Currents.