Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a key advisor on vaccines at the CDC, has resigned from her position. Her departure comes after the CDC altered its recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, specifically removing specific guidance for children and pregnant women. Panagiotakopoulos stated that she could no longer effectively serve vulnerable populations under the revised guidelines.
According to sources, the changes in recommendations were influenced, in part, by discussions involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure known for his skepticism regarding vaccines. The specific details of Kennedy's involvement and the precise rationale behind the recommendation changes remain unclear, but the timing has raised concerns among public health experts.
Panagiotakopoulos's resignation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding COVID-19 vaccination strategies and the challenges faced by public health officials in navigating evolving scientific understanding and public sentiment. The CDC has yet to release an official statement regarding Panagiotakopoulos's departure or the altered vaccine recommendations.
CDC Vaccine Advisor Resigns After COVID-19 Recommendation Changes
A top vaccine advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has resigned following changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos cited concerns about the removal of specific recommendations for vaccinating children and pregnant women as her reason for leaving. She expressed that these changes hindered her ability to protect vulnerable populations from the virus. The altered recommendations followed discussions involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr.