CDC Names Anti-Vaccine Surgeon General's Right-Hand Man as Deputy Director in 'Dangerous' Move
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, a vocal critic of vaccines, as its new principal deputy director. The move has been widely criticized by health experts, who label it "dangerous" and "irresponsible". Despite his lack of experience in running a health system, Abraham was chosen over other candidates deemed even worse.
Abraham's record on public health is concerning, with the Louisiana Department of Health waiting months to inform residents about a deadly pertussis outbreak during his leadership. He has also expressed skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines and ordered the department to stop promoting mass vaccinations, including flu shots. In fact, Abraham prefers natural immunity over vaccination.
Abraham's views align closely with those of CDC Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for spreading conspiracy theories and unproven ideas on vaccine safety. Last week, Kennedy directed the CDC to rewrite a webpage falsely linking vaccines to autism. The appointment of Abraham as deputy director appears to be part of Kennedy's broader effort to reshape the CDC in line with his anti-vaccine agenda.
Abraham has also been a proponent of using unproven treatments for COVID-19, such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. In 2021, he was among the top prescribers of ivermectin in Louisiana, despite studies showing its ineffectiveness against the virus.
The appointment of Abraham has sparked concern about the direction of the CDC under Kennedy's leadership. Experts warn that this move could undermine public health efforts and put lives at risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, a vocal critic of vaccines, as its new principal deputy director. The move has been widely criticized by health experts, who label it "dangerous" and "irresponsible". Despite his lack of experience in running a health system, Abraham was chosen over other candidates deemed even worse.
Abraham's record on public health is concerning, with the Louisiana Department of Health waiting months to inform residents about a deadly pertussis outbreak during his leadership. He has also expressed skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines and ordered the department to stop promoting mass vaccinations, including flu shots. In fact, Abraham prefers natural immunity over vaccination.
Abraham's views align closely with those of CDC Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for spreading conspiracy theories and unproven ideas on vaccine safety. Last week, Kennedy directed the CDC to rewrite a webpage falsely linking vaccines to autism. The appointment of Abraham as deputy director appears to be part of Kennedy's broader effort to reshape the CDC in line with his anti-vaccine agenda.
Abraham has also been a proponent of using unproven treatments for COVID-19, such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. In 2021, he was among the top prescribers of ivermectin in Louisiana, despite studies showing its ineffectiveness against the virus.
The appointment of Abraham has sparked concern about the direction of the CDC under Kennedy's leadership. Experts warn that this move could undermine public health efforts and put lives at risk.
. I mean, who does the CDC think they're playing with? Appointing someone like Ralph Abraham as deputy director, especially after all his drama on vaccines, is just plain reckless 
. I get that we need to have different opinions and perspectives, but come on! This guy's views are way off the mark 
. And now he's going to be influencing CDC policies? That's a recipe for disaster 
. We need people with actual expertise in public health making decisions, not someone who thinks natural immunity is better than vaccines 
. What's next, appointing climate change deniers to the EPA? 
This is exactly what we don't need more of – confusion and chaos! 
like what even is happening here? The guy is like totally anti-vaccine and has been super reckless with public health in the past... I mean, months without telling people about a deadly outbreak? That's not leadership that's negligence. And now he's basically in charge of making sure vaccines are safe and effective? It's like they're trying to undo all the good work that CDC has done so far 
. Can't we just stick with evidence-based medicine instead of some weirdo who thinks natural immunity is better than actual science? 
this feels super dodgy
I need to know more about Abraham's qualifications and experience before I accept this appointment as legit.
! Can't believe they're actually putting someone who's basically a vaccine skeptic in charge of the CDC's day-to-day ops. I mean, what's next? Appointing a climate change denier to head up the weather division 
The CDC needs some serious vetting before they start making moves like this. This could literally put lives at risk 
. And now, he's being given a key role in one of the most important health organizations in the country? 
It's like they're putting profits over people 
. I think this is exactly what we need more of – politics in science, and it's just not going to end well 
. This is going to be a wild ride 
...
i mean, vaccines are proven to save lives and we should be focusing on getting more people vaccinated, not discouraging it 
can't wait for some actual experts to come in and give us a dose of reality 
. Like, what's going on with the CDC? Can't they see how dangerous it is to have someone like Abraham in charge of public health? 
. This whole thing just feels like a recipe for disaster 
. I just hope the CDC can pull this back before it's too late 
.
and now he's leading the cdc under kennedy's direction? that's just a recipe for disaster 
. maybe we'll just have to keep an eye on this situation and see how it all plays out 
we need ppl like Dr. Fauci or something who actually knows what they're talking about 
. I'm all for having differing opinions, but this is just reckless 
. And now he's Deputy Director? That's a lot of power for someone who doesn't seem to fully understand the risks and benefits of vaccines. What if he starts making decisions based on misinformation? We need to make sure we're protecting public health over any personal agendas 
I mean, come on. Natural immunity over vaccination? That's like saying "I'm good" just because you're feeling fine. 
Not how science works.
We need experts who know their stuff, not folks who are more interested in advancing their own agendas than doing what's best for public health. 
. A Surgeon General who doesn't believe in vaccines leading to the second in command role? That's a red flag for me 
. And don't even get me started on his record with the Louisiana Department of Health... it's like he's never even heard of public health 
The CDC just appointed Ralph Abraham as their deputy director? 
Like, what's next? Unvaxxed superheroes saving the world? 
Not buying it! 
. And teaming him up with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aka vaccine conspiracy king