CDC to hire former head of anti-vaccine group founded by RFK Jr.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made a controversial decision to hire Lyn Redwood, a nurse and former president of the group Children’s Health Defense, known for its anti-vaccine stance. Redwood, who has been criticized for spreading misinformation about vaccines, will be working in the CDC’s vaccine safety office, overseeing the agency’s work and data related to potential safety risks from vaccines.

Redwood’s appointment as a special government employee has sparked concerns among medical groups, who worry that her presence may undermine the CDC’s efforts to develop influential vaccine recommendations. In particular, Redwood has been vocal about her concerns regarding the vaccine preservative thimerosal, which she believes may be linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the CDC and outside groups have debunked these fears in the past, citing multiple studies that have found no evidence of thimerosal causing such disorders.

Despite the evidence against thimerosal, Redwood remains steadfast in her beliefs, advocating for the removal of the preservative from vaccines. She has also raised concerns about other vaccine ingredients, such as aluminum, which she claims has been found in the brains of children with autism at high levels. The FDA, however, has stated that aluminum in vaccines has a long history of safe use and is primarily ingested through food and water.

Redwood’s appointment comes at a time when the CDC is facing scrutiny for its vaccine safety efforts. Critics, including Redwood and Children’s Health Defense, have accused the agency of downplaying the risks associated with vaccine ingredients. Despite these criticisms, the CDC has stood by its research and recommendations, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases.

As Redwood prepares to present her concerns to the CDC’s outside vaccine advisers, it remains to be seen how her appointment will impact the agency’s work on vaccine safety. With conflicting views on the risks and benefits of vaccines, the debate over vaccine safety is likely to continue, highlighting the importance of evidence-based research and public health communication in addressing concerns about vaccination.