Dr. Fiona Havers, head of the CDC's Resp-Net team tracking COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations, resigned, citing concerns about the objectivity and scientific rigor in using the data for vaccine policy. Her resignation follows Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.'s dismissal of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory panel and subsequent changes to vaccine recommendations, including dropping Covid-19 shots for healthy children and pregnant women. Kennedy replaced the panel with members who have expressed skepticism towards vaccines. The new panel will meet to vote on vaccine use in late June. The Health and Human Services spokesperson affirmed a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.