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Nine former CDC directors are accusing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of "endangering every American's health" in a scathing New York Times op-ed. The unprecedented rebuke follows Kennedy's firing of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez last week, which sparked four top officials to resign in protest and prompted staff demonstrations at CDC headquarters.

The former directors—who served under every administration since President Carter—claim Monarez was fired for refusing to approve Kennedy's "dangerous and unfounded vaccine recommendations" and declining to dismiss senior CDC staff. They accuse Kennedy of downplaying measles vaccines and replacing qualified experts with "unqualified individuals who share his dangerous and unscientific views."

The leadership crisis comes as COVID cases surge in 31 states and vaccine access becomes increasingly complicated. CVS now requires prescriptions in 13 states plus D.C., while Walgreens offers only vague commitments about vaccine availability. Medical experts report widespread confusion about insurance coverage, with guidance from federal health agencies lacking as virus season approaches.

Watch the video above for the full report on how the CDC controversy is affecting public health preparedness nationwide.

CDC Turmoil: Former Directors Blast Kennedy as COVID Vaccine Access Tightens