FDA Vaccine Chief Resigns Amid Misinformation and Measles Outbreak

Dr. Peter Marks, a top vaccine expert at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has announced his resignation. He criticized the country’s health leader for spreading “misinformation and lies” about vaccines. In his letter, Marks said he was ready to talk about vaccine safety concerns but felt it wouldn’t work out because the health officials wanted only to hear what they believed, not the truth.

Marks, who has been with the FDA since 2012 and was known for his role in quickly developing COVID-19 vaccines, said he had a tough decision to make. Reports indicate he was told he could either resign or be fired, and he chose to resign. He believes that undermining trust in vaccines is dangerous for public health.

In his farewell message, Marks expressed worry over a growing measles outbreak in Texas, reminding people of the risks when confidence in science fades. He worked for the FDA since 2016 and pointed out that most recent measles cases are among unvaccinated individuals.

Meanwhile, the health department, overseen by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., plans to lay off thousands of workers, including many at the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of a push to change how things are done in health organizations. Kennedy has a history of questioning vaccines, which some experts say is harmful. Health professionals worry that the cuts and changes could further endanger public health.