Secretary Kennedy is unfit to lead the nation’s top health agency

Under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services cannot fulfill its mission to safeguard and protect Americans’ health. The Senate testimony of former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leaders and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting this week are the latest stark examples of Secretary Kennedy’s reckless and complete disregard for science and human lives.  

America’s infectious diseases doctors warn that the consequences of allowing him to remain in office will be paid significantly and negatively by Americans of all ages who wish to live healthy lives. His leadership has already put up barriers to many Americans’ choice to receive the COVID vaccine. Now he is attacking routine childhood vaccines that have been given broadly and safely for decades, creating chaos and confusion, taking away parents’ choices and putting children’s lives at significant risk for severe vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Secretary Kennedy presents a clear and present danger to the American people and their families. This week, even more of our colleagues in the fields of medicine, public health and patient advocacy join us in calling for his resignation.  

— Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP — President, IDSA  

About IDSA 

The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity’s smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.