CDC Study on COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Blocked by Acting Director
CDC study shows COVID shot benefits; Trump official blocks release
Ars Technica
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A recent CDC study indicating that the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces emergency visits and hospitalizations has been blocked from publication by acting director Jay Bhattacharya. This decision raises concerns about political interference in public health science amid ongoing debates about vaccine efficacy.
- 01A CDC study found that the COVID-19 vaccine reduces emergency visits by 50% and hospitalizations by 55%.
- 02The publication of the study was scheduled for March 19 but was blocked by acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya.
- 03Bhattacharya raised concerns about the study's methodology, specifically its test-negative design.
- 04Health experts worry that political interference is undermining scientific integrity at federal agencies.
- 05The study's findings were based on data collected between September and December of the previous year.
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A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that adults vaccinated with the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine experienced a 50% reduction in emergency department visits and a 55% decrease in COVID-19-related hospitalizations compared to unvaccinated individuals. This study was set to be published on March 19 in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). However, acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya blocked its release, citing concerns over the study's methodology, particularly its test-negative design, which is a recognized method for assessing vaccine effectiveness. Health experts express alarm over the potential political interference in public health research, especially under the influence of anti-vaccine activists like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who have criticized the COVID-19 vaccines. The situation raises critical questions about the integrity of scientific processes within federal health agencies.
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The blocking of this study could hinder public trust in vaccine efficacy and impact vaccination rates.
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