health
March 6, 2026
Jay Bhattacharya Might Get His COVID Capstone
The CDC has been remade in the Trump administration, but its acting head says it still needs “renewal.”
TL;DR
- Jay Bhattacharya, known for the Great Barrington Declaration, is now acting director of the CDC and leads the NIH.
- Bhattacharya believes the federal government's pandemic response eroded public trust and seeks 'renewal' at the CDC.
- Thousands have been pushed out of the CDC, and prominent leaders have resigned since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took over HHS.
- The CDC's vaccine recommendations are being reevaluated, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines and potential 'injuries'.
- Bhattacharya has long disputed the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, advocating for improving baseline health instead.
- Concerns exist about Bhattacharya's past views influencing the CDC's response to current threats like measles outbreaks.
- Despite past disagreements with Kennedy on measles vaccines, Bhattacharya has publicly encouraged measles vaccination, though not directly urged families to vaccinate.
- Experts worry that Bhattacharya's actions may lead to the CDC prioritizing his long-standing views over evidence-based public health strategies.
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