Top C.D.C. Official Delays Report on Covid Shot’s Effectiveness

Key Points:

• Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, acting head of the CDC, delayed the publication of a research report demonstrating that the Covid vaccine significantly reduced hospitalizations and emergency visits last winter, citing concerns over the study's methodology.
• The report was originally scheduled for publication on March 19 in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, but Bhattacharya's intervention postponed its release, sparking controversy amid political sensitivities around vaccine discussions before the midterm elections.
• Although Bhattacharya criticized the Covid vaccine study, he has publicly praised vaccines in other contexts, including the measles vaccine, and offered to endorse immunizations.
• Bhattacharya's acting directorship at the CDC ended last month without a permanent replacement being named, though he retained broad oversight powers over the agency’s activities.
• Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry noted that political appointees rarely get involved in decisions regarding the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, highlighting the unusual nature of Bhattacharya's involvement.