Pre-election vaccination plans by CDC heighten fears of political meddling

Image of a man removing a protective face mask.

Enlarge / WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 2, 2020: Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), removes his protecting masks earlier than talking. (credit score: Getty Photographs / Pool)

The US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention is urging states to be prepared to start distributing a COVID-19 vaccine by November 1—an especially bold plan that conspicuously falls simply days earlier than the presidential election.

Although public well being consultants say federal and state officers ought to definitely be planning for a vaccination rollout—and the daunting process of finally vaccinating greater than 300 million Individuals in opposition to COVID-19 in a phased, equitable, orderly means—the pre-election deadline for the work heightens fears of political interference within the effort.

In latest weeks, critics and consultants have been alarmed by coverage modifications and selections on the CDC and the Meals and Drug Administration that seem politically motivated. The CDC, which is able to assist orchestrate vaccine distribution, just lately reversed evidence-based testing tips, as an example. The transfer so alarmed and outraged consultants that two high-profile scientists and former officers inspired states to ignore the company totally and set their very own evidence-based public well being insurance policies.

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