Insiders: CDC Delays RFK Jr.’s Report on Covid Vaccine Benefits
Insiders told Filmogaz.com that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention postponed a study showing clear Covid vaccine benefits. The delay has raised concerns about political influence and scientific review inside Health and Human Services.
Key findings and publication timing
The study found vaccinated healthy adults had a 50 percent lower risk of urgent care and emergency visits. It also reported a 55 percent reduction in Covid-related hospitalizations versus unvaccinated adults in 2025 and 2026.
The paper was scheduled for publication on March 19 in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The MMWR is the CDC’s flagship scientific journal.
Why publication was paused
Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya ordered a hold, citing questions about the study’s methods. Two scientists familiar with the matter discussed the decision with reporters.
HHS oversight of the CDC was cited by officials as part of routine review. A spokesperson said leadership often flags methodological concerns before MMWR publication.
Methodology concerns
One HHS official argued the study could be biased. They said focusing on hospitalized patients may not represent the wider U.S. population.
Bhattacharya, who is also identified as director of the National Institutes of Health in reporting, plans to meet CDC scientists. The meeting will address the methodological questions.
Scientific pushback
Former CDC vaccine safety chief Dan Jernigan defended the approach. He acknowledged imperfections but called it a useful real-world tool for tracking vaccine performance.
Jernigan noted observational studies cannot fully control differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. He said the method still provides meaningful insights into vaccine effectiveness.
Politics and policy under RFK Jr.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a prominent vaccine skeptic. Insiders say that political tensions have complicated the agency’s handling of Covid guidance.
Last year, Kennedy directed the CDC to remove its Covid vaccine recommendation for children and healthy pregnant women. Advisers he appointed recently considered and then shelved ending recommendations for mRNA Covid vaccines.
Staff departures and disputes
Several officials resigned last year amid disagreements with the HHS secretary. Jernigan was among those who left and has criticized Kennedy’s policy direction.
He warned that releasing a report showing vaccine effectiveness could conflict with moves to reduce vaccine availability for some groups.
Public opinion and context
Public views on Covid vaccines remain split. A September 2025 YouGov survey found 41 percent believe vaccine benefits outweigh risks.
The same poll showed 39 percent thought benefits were equivalent to, or outweighed by, risks. The numbers underline the political sensitivity around the topic.
Next steps
CDC scientists will meet with leadership to resolve methodological questions. Filmogaz.com reported the agency said the scientific team is addressing the concerns.
The outcome will determine when, or if, the report on Covid vaccine benefits appears in MMWR. The decision is likely to influence vaccine policy debates ahead of major elections.
