Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf has criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his hesitance to endorse vaccines, stating that it is harming the American public. Califf expressed his concerns at STAT’s Breakthrough Summit West conference, where he emphasized the importance of vaccination in saving millions of lives each year.
Kennedy, who recently testified at a Congressional budget hearing, has been criticized for his mixed messaging on vaccines during the ongoing measles outbreak. Califf highlighted Kennedy’s role as the leader of Health and Human Services in the United States and the impact of his statements on public confidence in vaccines.
Despite acknowledging Kennedy’s focus on tackling chronic disease, Califf raised concerns about the efficacy of his leadership, particularly following the mass firing of 20,000 employees across HHS. This move has reportedly disrupted critical functions within the agency and led to the departure of senior leaders, including nutrition scientist Kevin Hall.
Califf also expressed apprehension about political appointees influencing regulatory decisions, such as the delay in full approval of Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine. He emphasized the importance of shielding FDA scientists from political interference to avoid favoritism and lobbying.
On a more positive note, Califf commended FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s initiative to incorporate generative AI into the product review process. The use of AI technology aims to streamline regulatory submissions and identify potential flaws in the review process.
In conclusion, Califf stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the FDA and ensuring that decisions are driven by science rather than political agendas. He urged for transparency and accountability in the regulatory process to uphold public trust in the healthcare system.
