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Former CDC Chief Questions Agency's Credibility on Vaccines

9/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Richard Besser, former acting CDC director, voiced distrust in the CDC's reliability for medical information during an ABC interview.
He urged consulting medical societies instead.
His comments followed the ACIP's update on COVID-19 vaccine guidance, which recommended clinician discussions but rejected prescription requirements.
Besser criticized Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for damaging the CDC's credibility, warning of potential misinformation affecting vaccination decisions.
He co-authored a critical op-ed on the CDC's leadership changes.

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Story summary

Richard Besser, former acting CDC director, voiced distrust in the CDC's reliability for medical information during an ABC interview.
He urged consulting medical societies instead.
His comments followed the ACIP's update on COVID-19 vaccine guidance, which recommended clinician discussions but rejected prescription requirements.
Besser criticized Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for damaging the CDC's credibility, warning of potential misinformation affecting vaccination decisions.
He co-authored a critical op-ed on the CDC's leadership changes.