FDA Vaccine Chief Resigns, Citing RFK Jr.'s Misinformation

Dr. Peter Marks, the top vaccine official at the FDA, resigned, citing 'misinformation and lies' propagated by incoming Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic. Marks, who has been with the FDA since 2012 and played a significant role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, expressed concerns over an 'unprecedented assault on scientific truth' in his resignation letter. His departure was reportedly influenced by the Trump administration, which gave him the option to resign or face termination. In response, an HHS official stated that Marks had no place at the FDA if he did not support restoring scientific integrity. The resignation has raised alarms within the scientific community, with many expressing disappointment over the potential impact on public health, particularly regarding vaccine confidence amidst ongoing outbreaks like measles. Marks cautioned that undermining established vaccines poses serious health risks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in vaccination programs.