On Wednesday, the FDA accepted the brand new spherical of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax to be used by seniors over the age of 65. However for anybody youthful than that, the FDA approval solely mentions individuals who have “no less than one underlying situation that places them at excessive threat for extreme outcomes from COVID-19.” It additionally eliminated one possibility for kids fully, revoking the Pfizer vaccine’s emergency use authorization for kids underneath 5.
Shortly after the FDA introduced the brand new tips, a report from The Washington Post said that the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention ousted its director, Susan Monarez. That was confirmed in a submit on X by the Department of Health and Human Services, which is now led by longtime anti-vaccine crusader, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nonetheless, Mark Zaid, who stated he is without doubt one of the legal professionals representing Monarez, responded by posting, “Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor but been fired. She is not going to resign,” and the next assertion:
Assertion from Mark S. Zaid & Abbe David Lowell
Counsel for CDC Director Susan Monarez
August 27, 2025 – 7:03 pm ETFirst it was unbiased advisory committees and profession consultants. Then it was the dismissal of seasoned scientists. Now, Secretary Kennedy and HHS have set their sights on weaponizing public well being for political acquire and placing hundreds of thousands of American lives in danger.
When CDC Director Susan Monarez refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and hearth devoted well being consultants she selected defending the general public over serving a political agenda. For that, she has been focused. Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor acquired notification from the White Home that she has been fired, and as an individual of integrity and dedicated to science, she is not going to resign.
The Publish says Monarez was “pressed for days” by Kennedy about whether or not she would help transforming the FDA’s insurance policies. The Publish studies that “no less than three high CDC officers” have introduced plans to resign, together with Demetre Daskalakis, director of the Nationwide Middle for Immunization and Respiratory Illnesses, and Debra Houry, chief medical officer.
After previewing the update in May, the federal government eliminated wholesome pregnant individuals and youngsters from its listing of individuals really helpful to obtain the covid vaccine, which CNN reports has already prevented some individuals from getting vaccinated.
In a tweet, Kennedy claims the actions will “preserve vaccines obtainable to individuals who need them, particularly the weak,” nevertheless, they might now require hundreds of thousands of People to show they’re in danger, placing an extra hurdle in the best way of getting vaccinated.
The New York Times reports that an upcoming CDC determination might influence availability and entry at drugstore websites, as legal guidelines in some states require the CDC’s advice for pharmacy employees to manage the photographs. As we noted last month, Kennedy lately fired 17 individuals from the federal committee (ACIP) accountable for making vaccine suggestions.
