Podcast Summary: What a Day Episode: Ex-CDC Doctor On RFK Jr.'s Risky Vaccine Policies
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Jane Coaston
Produced by: Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of What a Day, host Jane Coaston delves into the controversial tenure of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). With RFK Jr.'s strong anti-vaccination stance, significant changes within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sparked turmoil in public health circles. The episode features an in-depth interview with Dr. Fiona Havers, a former senior advisor on vaccine policy at the CDC, shedding light on the implications of RFK Jr.'s policies on American health.

RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vaccine Policies and Leadership at HHS

Jane Coaston begins by highlighting the alarming appointment of RFK Jr., a known anti-vaccination advocate, as the head of HHS. She underscores the gravity of his position by referencing COVID-19's impact, noting, “1.2 million Americans have died from the disease since 2020, and an estimated 300 people are still dying every week” (00:02). Coaston contrasts this reality with RFK Jr.'s skepticism towards vaccines, citing his claim in 2023 that “the polio vaccine killed more people than polio did” (01:15).

Firing of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

A pivotal moment discussed is RFK Jr.'s decision in June to dismiss every member of the CDC's Vaccine Advisory Committee, known as ACIP, and replace them with fellow vaccine skeptics (01:30). This move, aimed at reshaping vaccine policy, has been met with severe backlash from the public health community. In May, RFK Jr. also reversed the CDC's recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and babies, prompting lawsuits from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations.

Notable Quote:

• Dr. Susan Kressley, AAP President: “Children deserve better... You can trust your pediatrician. We, like you, will always put our children first.” (02:29)

Interview with Dr. Fiona Havers: Resignation and Insights

Introduction of Dr. Fiona Havers: Jane Coaston welcomes Dr. Fiona Havers, a former senior advisor on vaccine policy at the CDC, who resigned in protest against RFK Jr.'s policies.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Resignation Motivation:

   • Dr. Havers: “I really didn't feel that who he put in place was going to take actual science, actual data and actual evidence to make policy recommendations.” (05:58)

2. ACIP’s Role and Disruption:

   • Dr. Havers: “ACIP is a group of experts that... gives advice to CDC on what vaccine policy should be... It also dictates insurance coverage for vaccines.” (04:13)
   • Criticism of the newly appointed ACIP members for lacking expertise and undermining established processes.

3. Impact on Vaccine Recommendations:

   • Dr. Havers: “Parents are gonna lose access to safe and effective vaccines... It’s really concerning.” (07:18)

4. COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Changes:

   • Dr. Havers: RFK Jr.'s CDC decision to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women bypassed expert input and relied on misinterpreted data. (08:20)
   • Example: The CDC states that pregnancy increases COVID-19 risks, and vaccines reduce complications, contrasting RFK Jr.’s stance.

5. Future of CDC Vaccine Recommendations:

   • Concerns about declining trust in CDC guidelines and reduced vaccine access due to insurance coverage changes.

6. Public Health Community’s Response:

   • General disapproval of RFK Jr.'s leadership and interference at the CDC.
   • Dr. Havers: “I hope people don't follow and do what I did and leave because we still need people at CDC.” (12:19)

Current COVID-19 Status in 2025

Despite five years since the pandemic began, COVID-19 remains a significant public health threat:

• Deaths: An average of over 300 people die weekly from COVID-19 as of April 2025 (10:04).
• Vulnerable Populations: Older adults and children under two remain highly susceptible.
• Vaccine Impact: Dr. Havers emphasizes that vaccination could prevent hospitalizations and deaths, lamenting the ongoing deaths due to inadequate vaccine uptake.

Notable Quote:

• Dr. Havers: “It's still a major public health problem that is causing tens of thousands of deaths in the United States every year.” (10:23)

Impact on Childhood Vaccination and Public Health

RFK Jr.'s alterations to the vaccination schedule have coincided with alarming increases in preventable diseases:

• Measles: Cases reached a 33-year high in the U.S.
• Influenza: 250 American children died last year.
• Pertussis: Rising rates pose a lethal threat to infants.

Notable Quote:

• Dr. Havers: “We are in the middle of a huge multi-state measles outbreak... we're going to see an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.” (11:35)

Recommendations for the Public

Dr. Havers advises the public to:

• Advocate Against RFK Jr.'s Policies: Push back against undermining HHS authority and vaccine policy.
• Trust Pediatricians: Rely on medical professionals for accurate vaccine information.
• Verify Information Sources: Be cautious of misinformation proliferating due to RFK Jr.'s influence.

Notable Quote:

• Dr. Havers: “Pediatricians still have a good idea of what vaccines are benefiting their children. I think they're still a trusted source.” (13:25)

Broader News Highlights

Beyond the focus on RFK Jr. and vaccine policies, the episode also covers several other critical news topics:

1. Donald Trump's Criticism of Vladimir Putin:

   • Trump labels Putin’s actions as “bullshit” and criticizes Russia’s treatment of human beings.
   • Discussion on the resumption of U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Trump: “We're sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine and I've approved that.” (18:24)

2. Immigration Policies under Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins:

   • Rollins advocates for mass deportations without amnesty to protect the agricultural workforce.
   • Emphasis on transitioning to automation and a 100% American workforce.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Dr. Susan Kressley: “No amnesty under any circumstances... moving toward automation.” (19:04)

3. Supreme Court Ruling on Federal Agency Layoffs:

   • The Supreme Court permits the Trump administration's plan to lay off workers from federal agencies like the CDC and EPA.
   • Dissent: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticizes the decision as “truly unfortunate” and “hubristic.” (19:45)

4. AI Impersonation Threats:

   • The State Department warns about AI bots impersonating officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
   • Reports of AI-generated voicemails and messages sent to various government figures.
   • State Department’s Stance: Limited commentary, maintaining discretion on details. (22:49)

Conclusion

This episode of What a Day provides a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges facing public health in the U.S., particularly focusing on the disruptive influence of RFK Jr.'s policies within the HHS and CDC. Featuring expert insights from Dr. Fiona Havers, the discussion underscores the potential long-term consequences on vaccine trust, public health infrastructure, and disease prevention efforts. Additionally, the episode contextualizes these issues within the broader political landscape, highlighting ongoing debates around international relations, immigration, and governmental operations.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, support evidence-based public health measures, and advocate for policies that prioritize scientific integrity and community well-being.

Notable Timestamps and Quotes:

• 00:02 Jane Coaston: “1.2 million Americans have died from the disease since 2020, and an estimated 300 people are still dying every week.”
• 02:29 Dr. Susan Kressley: “Children deserve better... You can trust your pediatrician.”
• 05:58 Dr. Fiona Havers: “I really didn't feel that who he put in place was going to take actual science, actual data and actual evidence to make policy recommendations.”
• 07:18 Dr. Fiona Havers: “Parents are gonna lose access to safe and effective vaccines... It’s really concerning.”
• 10:23 Dr. Fiona Havers: “It's still a major public health problem that is causing tens of thousands of deaths in the United States every year.”
• 11:35 Dr. Fiona Havers: “We are in the middle of a huge multi-state measles outbreak... we're going to see an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.”
• 13:25 Dr. Fiona Havers: “Pediatricians still have a good idea of what vaccines are benefiting their children. I think they're still a trusted source.”
• 18:24 Donald Trump: “We're sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine and I've approved that.”
• 19:04 Dr. Susan Kressley: “No amnesty under any circumstances... moving toward automation.”
• 19:45 Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: “[The Supreme Court’s decision] demonstrated enthusiasm for greenlighting this president's legally dubious actions.”

Final Notes:

What a Day continues to deliver timely and critical analysis of the most pressing issues affecting American society. By focusing on authoritative voices and factual reporting, the podcast remains a vital resource for listeners seeking to understand the complexities of current events.