A coalition of leading physician organizations has released a joint statement expressing grave concern over recent turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The groups, including the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Physicians, believe that the recent firing of Director Monarez and the resignation of senior officials will have 'harmful consequences for the health of the American public.'
The organizations are sounding the alarm, particularly as the flu and respiratory illness season begins. They state that the confusing and often contradictory recommendations coming from the CDC are counter to the best available evidence on vaccines and infection prevention. This confusion is already leading to restrictions on vaccine access and will ultimately harm patients.
The groups also warn that this situation could be a sign of future attempts to impose restrictions on other public health measures supported by scientific evidence. They stress that adding preventable stress to an already overburdened healthcare system, which lacks the capacity to handle more emergency cases, is unacceptable.
The joint statement concludes with a clear demand for action: “We need the CDC and other federal public health agencies to make decisions based on the best-available scientific evidence, guided by qualified experts in these fields and supported by the resources they need.” The organizations are calling for strong oversight from Congress to ensure these agencies can correct their course and protect the health of all Americans.
Source: The DO | September 5, 2025