Louisiana official who called COVID-19 vaccines ‘dangerous’ given key CDC post

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 -Ralph Abraham, Louisiana’s top health official and a known COVID-19 vaccine critic, has been appointed principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The move comes as the CDC continues without a permanent director, effectively making Abraham the top operational leader. This appointment has already sparked concern among health experts about the potential direction of U.S. public health policy.

Abraham’s recent tenure in Louisiana was marked by halting mass vaccination campaigns and emphasizing individualized medical decision-making over government mandates. 

He has publicly called COVID-19 vaccines “dangerous” and criticized broad immunization policies, a stance that has put him at odds with mainstream public health guidance. His leadership coincides with ongoing outbreaks, including a severe whooping cough spike in Louisiana, highlighting potential risks of downplaying vaccines.

This development signals a significant shift at the federal level under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has prioritized vaccine skepticism in reshaping U.S. health agencies. 

With Abraham in a top CDC role, public health messaging and disease prevention strategies may face new challenges, raising urgent questions about the future of vaccine policy and epidemic preparedness nationwide.