Former CBER head Peter Marks says he blocked RFK Jr. from vaccine safety database before leaving FDA: AP
Title
"Peter Marks Resigned After Refusing RFK Jr. Team’s Unrestricted Access to Vaccine Safety Data"
Keywords
- Peter Marks
- FDA
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.)
- Vaccine Safety Database
- VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System)
- Vaccine Transparency Action Plan
- Resignation
- HHS (Health and Human Services)
- Vaccine Advocacy
- Measles Outbreak
Key Facts
- Peter Marks' Role:
Dr. Peter Marks, former head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), resigned after resisting Health Secretary RFK Jr.’s push for unrestricted access to a sensitive vaccine safety database.
- Reason for Opposition:
Marks feared that RFK Jr.’s team could manipulate or delete vaccine data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which contains unverified and sensitive reports on vaccine side effects and adverse events.
- Kennedy's Vaccine Policies:
RFK Jr., known for his controversial anti-vaccine views, has initiated investigations into vaccine safety, halted vaccine research, and revisited debunked claims linking vaccines to autism since taking office.
- Transparency Efforts:
Marks proposed a "Vaccine Transparency Action Plan" aiming to increase public and scientific access to VAERS data while safeguarding its integrity, but this did not satisfy Kennedy's demands for direct database control.
- Forced Resignation:
Marks was reportedly given an ultimatum to either resign or face termination due to his opposition to Kennedy's plans. He perceived this as a direct order from Kennedy.
- Vaccine Advocacy Amid Outbreaks:
Marks criticized Kennedy for not doing enough to promote vaccinations during a deadly measles outbreak, citing preventable deaths due to low vaccination rates.
- Background:
Marks was instrumental in speeding up vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic through Operation Warp Speed. He has a reputation as a strong vaccine advocate among former FDA leaders and the biotech industry.
- Ongoing Controversy:
Kennedy's actions have drawn backlash from public health officials, who warn his policies could undermine trust in vaccines, leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases.