Fired CDC director says Kennedy plans to change children's vaccine schedule

18/9/2025 6:31

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told former CDC Director Susan Monarez two days before she was fired that the childhood vaccination schedule would change in September, Monarez told a Senate panel on Wednesday.



Kennedy asked her to commit to approving the changes before reviewing scientific evidence and said there is no evidence supporting the current schedule, Monarez said.



He also asked for blanket approval of the recommendations of the agency's vaccine advisory board and required her to seek her own political staff's approval for her policy and personnel decisions before ultimately ousting her, Monarez said.



President Donald Trump fired Monarez, who helmed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 29 days, on August 28 after clashing with Kennedy over vaccine policy. She told Senators that Kennedy told her he had spoken with the White House several times about having her removed.