Under the fervent anti-vaccine advocacy of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has appointed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director—a decision that was swiftly labeled as “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” though experts noted it could have been worse.
Physician Jeremy Faust disclosed the appointment in his newsletter Inside Medicine yesterday, which was later corroborated by reporters. Faust mentioned that a CDC insider informed him, “I heard much worse names considered,” and while Abraham’s opinions are “likely pretty terrible,” he at least possesses relevant experience managing a public health system, unlike other current agency leaders.
However, Abraham hasn’t precisely been managing a health system in a manner that most public health experts would endorse. During Abraham’s tenure, the Louisiana health department delayed for months in notifying residents about a serious whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak. He also has a distinct record of anti-vaccine sentiment. Earlier this year, he informed a Louisiana news outlet that he advises against COVID-19 vaccinations because “I prefer natural immunity.” In February, he instructed the health department to halt the promotion of mass vaccinations, including flu shots, and prohibited staff from conducting seasonal vaccine initiatives.
