Slate News What Next | Can You Get a COVID Vaccine?
Sep 8, 2025
Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for the New York Times, dives into the turmoil caused by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the CDC, revealing major leadership failures and employee unrest. She discusses the ongoing struggles many face in accessing COVID vaccines amid public confusion and skepticism fueled by misinformation. The podcast also highlights the erosion of trust in public health agencies and how local dynamics influence vaccination policies, underscoring the critical need for clarity in this chaotic landscape.
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Leadership Caused Federal Vaccine Turmoil
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions have reshaped federal vaccine policy and personnel rapidly this year.
- His moves have created turmoil at HHS and undermined CDC morale and authority.
Access Declined Despite Official Claims
- Vaccine access has worsened under new policies despite claims it remains available to anyone who wants it.
- Pharmacies in many states stopped offering COVID shots or started requiring prescriptions, limiting real access.
Staff Cuts Eroded Institutional Capacity
- HHS and CDC lost large numbers of staff through firings and reorganizations earlier in the year.
- The agency shrank and lost institutional expertise critical to public-health operations.