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Fired CDC director clashed with RFK on vaccine policy

Residents inspect the damage to a house in Shahkot Village, Neelum Valley, Pakistani Kashmir.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a press conference at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas. August 28, 2025. REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez was fired on Wednesday, after rejecting vaccine policy changes pushed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which she said were illegal or anti-science. My colleagues spoke to three senior CDC officials who resigned in protest.

Their departure underscores internal resistance to anti-vaccine moves, while Kennedy's overhaul of advisory structures and promotion of debunked claims could strain global health partnerships and U.S. credibility.

Read the full article

Behind the news

Global Health Editor Michele Gershberg tells the Reuters World News podcast: "I think it's fair to say that it's not just the surprise of the exit of the CDC director Susan Monarez that's capturing the attention."

She added: "It's the concerted show of opposition to or resistance to the policies that have been put forward by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "

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