A report indicating last year’s COVID-19 vaccine reduced hospitalizations was withheld from publication by the CDC, reportedly due to methodological concerns and political factors.
Report on COVID Vaccine Withheld; Trump Administration Decisions in the Background
According to reports, the report was originally intended for publication on March 19th in the “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,” which informs about emerging infectious disease threats.
The unpublished report showed that last year’s COVID-19 vaccine reduced the number of hospitalizations.
Decision Made on the Finish Line
The decision to withhold the COVID vaccine report was made at the last minute.
CDC Review and Methodological Doubts
Two weeks ago, the “Washington Post” reported that Jay Bhattacharya, temporarily overseeing the CDC, delayed the report’s publication due to concerns about methodology. Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, confirmed this.
Nixon stated that it is routine for CDC leadership to review and raise concerns about MMWR articles, especially regarding their methodology, before planned publication.
Editorial Assessment Revealed Methodological Concerns
According to sources, the decision not to publish the report was made in recent days. Nixon explained that an editorial assessment of the MMWR revealed doubts about the methodological approach to estimating vaccine effectiveness, and the report was not accepted for publication.
Report Passed Scientific Review
Informants from the “Washington Post” stated that the report had positively passed a scientific review by the agency, involving dozens of scientists.
Trump Administration and Shift in Vaccination Course
Former CDC officials stated that withholding the report at this stage is extremely rare. They believe publishing a report indicating vaccine effectiveness would have been contrary to the actions of the Trump administration, which aimed to limit its use, especially in children.
Decision Made During Sensitive Period
The decision regarding the report was made during a specific period, as the Trump administration attempts to moderate its stance on vaccinations before the upcoming supplementary elections in November. Many voters oppose the actions of Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who aims to withdraw the current vaccination policy.
Kennedy has previously called the COVID-19 vaccine “the most deadly vaccine ever created.”
Edited by Kamila Cieślik
The report was edited by Kamila Cieślik.
