2 weeks Ago By Jeremiah Hassel
The top vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration has resigned, criticizing U.S. Health Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. for spreading " misinformation and lies " about vaccine safety on his way out. In a letter to Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner on Friday, Dr.
Peter Marks announced his plan to retire as the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research by April 5, expressing concerns over Kennedy's stance on vaccines. "It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the Secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies," Marks stated in the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press. Marks mentioned that while he was "willing to work" to address Kennedy's concerns, he realized it wasn't feasible.
Marks voiced worries about the "efforts currently being advanced by some on the adverse health effects of vaccination" and added that "the unprecedented attack on scientific truth that has adversely impacted public health in our nation" is a threat to all, the Irish Star reported. Marks highlighted the historical benefits of vaccinations dating back to George Washington's era and pointed to the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S.
as evidence of what can occur when science isn't prioritized. Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports and entertainment stories. "The ongoing multistate measles outbreak that is particularly severe in Texas reminds us of what happens when confidence in well-established science underlying public health and well-being is undermined," Marks penned.
The disease has infected over 370 individuals, recently reaching Kansas and Ohio from New Mexico and Texas. A former FDA official privy to the talks told the AP that Marks was presented with the option to resign or face termination by Kennedy. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.
His achievements at the agency include a stellar record with vaccines, notably their approval and the swift production of the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic's peak. He is recognized for devising the term and idea "Operation Warp Speed" for the distribution of vaccines, which he managed under President Donald Trump's first administration, significantly speeding up the usual vaccine development timeline. Trump has openly criticized the FDA for not greenlighting the initial COVID shots sooner, confiding to allies his belief that earlier vaccine availability could have secured his 2020 election victory.
Kennedy, on the other hand, has expressed doubts about vaccines, especially those for childhood diseases, and has been known for disseminating anti-vaccine propaganda and falsehoods, using bogus data and rejecting scientific proof that contradicts his stance. Despite overwhelming evidence of their safety and efficacy in saving millions of lives, Kennedy has pledged to closely examine the safety of childhood vaccines. The FDA is reeling from yet another setback as Marks steps down from his pivotal vaccine role, amidst a storm of layoffs, retirements, and a disordered office return strategy that's left staff without essential workspaces and resources.
Just last month, Jim Jones, the deputy commissioner for foods at the FDA, handed in his resignation, slamming "the indiscriminate firing" of nearly 90 employees in his sector, as revealed by a resignation letter the AP got its hands on. The Department of Health and Human Services dropped a bombshell on Friday, declaring their intention to cut loose 10,000 employees and dissolve key agencies, including those managing substantial funds for addiction services and community health centers nationwide. Kennedy took to social media on Thursday to lambaste the department he manages, labeling it an ineffective "sprawling bureaucracy.
" He went on to say that the department's 82,000 employees have contributed to the deterioration of health among Americans..
