The director of the National Institutes of Health is also taking over as acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to an administration official.
Deputy Health Secretary Jim O’Neill, a former investor, had been serving as the acting CDC director and overseeing those vaccine changes before his reported departure last week. Bhattacharya is a health economist who, as a Stanford University professor, was an outspoken critic of the government’s COVID-19 shutdowns and vaccine policies.
At the NIH, he oversees the largest public funder of biomedical research. At a recent Senate hearing, Bhattacharya said childhood measles vaccination was “the best way to address the measles epidemic in this country,” and testified that he'd seen no evidence linking any single vaccine to autism. Trump administration officials have said they planned to find a permanent CDC director, a job that requires confirmation by the Senate.The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Passion 4 Pets Adoption Event Returns Feb. 21 at Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach BoulevardFuture Snyder Memorial Church to be discussed at DIA meetingCommunity mourns death of student killed in St. Johns County crashMortgate rates dip to the 5% range for the first time since 2023Working in the garden to get ready for SpringJacksonville TikToker uncovers account posting women, children without their consentLocal civil rights leader talks history and legacy of Jesse Jackson2026 High School 9:12 Media DayAbuse, neglect allegations prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal ControlEpiscopal Boys Soccer Prepares for SemisIt might feel like Spring today, but hold off on planting: More cold is comingPassion 4 Pets: London is looking for a furever homeAccused gunman in murder-for-hire case withdraws guilty pleaIncreased focus on teen 'takeovers' to make sure they don't get out of controlJacksonville family loses everything in electrical fire at home of 18 yearsGreen Cove Springs couple to bike to DC for screening reform‘He’s a complete miracle’: Jacksonville toddler makes full recovery after near-drowningPaid parking has officially begun in downtown Fernandina BeachThis week is a good window to get your pruning started ahead of SpringCity leaders, community react to chaos outside Avenues Mall over weekendSunday’s rainfall insufficient to ease persistent droughtHenry Tenon withdraws guilty pleaMajor makeover coming to one of downtown St. Augustine’s busiest corridors
Jay Bhattacharya Health Susan Monarez Washington News John F. Kennedy Jim O'neill Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Donald Trump
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