3/30/2025
One thing to do today... Stay informed about public health. Misinformation can have real consequences, so share accurate information and advocate for policies that protect community health.
Source: AP News
What Happened?
Dr. Peter Marks, the top vaccine official at the FDA, has resigned, due to concerns that the U.S. Health Secretary is influenced by misinformation about vaccine safety. His resignation follows a series of layoffs and turmoil within the health agency.
Why It Matters
Dr. Marks played a critical role in vaccine development, including Operation Warp Speed, a U.S. government initiative launched in 2020 under the Trump administration to accelerate the development of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics. His departure raises concerns about the future of vaccine policies, the integrity of scientific research, and public health in the U.S.
Who It Affects
- Public health and safety: Potential changes in vaccine policies could impact disease prevention and control.
- Parents and children: Vaccine recommendations may shift, affecting childhood immunization programs.
- Healthcare professionals: Doctors and researchers may face new challenges in advocating for evidence-based medicine.
Why Your Voice Matters
Policy changes in vaccine regulation can impact millions of lives. Whether you support stricter vaccine scrutiny or maintaining current scientific standards, your engagement can shape public health policies.
Why You Should Care
With ongoing measles outbreaks and potential disruptions to vaccination programs, the consequences of policy changes could be severe. Ensuring science-based decision-making in public health affects everyone’s well-being.
What You Can Do
If You Support Dr. Marks and Science-Based Vaccine Policies:
- Contact your local representatives to advocate for science-driven vaccine policies. Use USA.gov to find their contact information.
- Donate to organizations that promote vaccine education, such as the Vaccinate Your Family or the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
- Raise awareness by sharing factual information from trusted sources like the CDC and the World Health Organization.
If You Support More Scrutiny on Vaccines:
- Contact policymakers to advocate for independent vaccine research. Find them at USA.gov.
- Support organizations that push for vaccine safety research, such as the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN).
- Stay informed by following research from institutions like the National Vaccine Information Center.