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CDC Cancels Study Showing Significant Vaccine Effectiveness

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, acting head of the CDC, canceled publication of a study showing Covid-19 vaccines reduced emergency visits by 50% and hospitalizations by 55% in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Critics, including former CDC officials, call rejection unusual given the study's standard vaccine-effectiveness methodologies.
Bhattacharya said the study's design raised issues with its approach to measuring vaccine effectiveness.
The rejection sparked debate over political interference in CDC science.

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Story summary

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, acting head of the CDC, canceled publication of a study showing Covid-19 vaccines reduced emergency visits by 50% and hospitalizations by 55% in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Critics, including former CDC officials, call rejection unusual given the study's standard vaccine-effectiveness methodologies.
Bhattacharya said the study's design raised issues with its approach to measuring vaccine effectiveness.
The rejection sparked debate over political interference in CDC science.