Appointment of Louisiana Surgeon General
Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, a critic of COVID-19 vaccines, has been named deputy head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although there was no official announcement about Abraham’s role, a CDC spokesperson confirmed his appointment.
Background
Abraham, a 70-year-old former Republican congressman and doctor from rural northeast Louisiana, served three terms in the House before losing his bid for governor in 2019. He was appointed Surgeon General in December 2023.
Vaccine Criticisms
In February, Abraham directed his staff to stop participating in media campaigns and community health fairs promoting vaccinations and said that the Louisiana Department of Health "will no longer promote mass vaccinations." He rejected "blanket government mandates" for vaccines and criticized the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign, saying individuals should make their own decisions about vaccinations.
Reaction to Appointment
Dr. Nirav Shah, an epidemiologist, criticized the appointment, stating that Abraham has been on the wrong side of several important public health issues over the past decade. His track record, which includes undermining trust in vaccines and minimizing the risk of outbreaks, disqualifies him from leading an agency tasked with protecting all Americans.
Recent Developments
Abraham’s appointment comes as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services has stepped up attacks on some components used in vaccinations. A CDC website was updated with language claiming that studies have not ruled out a link between vaccines and the development of autism. The CDC has been without a permanent director since August, after the previous director was fired less than a month after the Senate confirmed her to lead the agency.
