Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham Appointed CDC Deputy Director

Louisiana’s Surgeon General, Ralph Abraham, has been appointed as the principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a role that has prompted discussions among public health experts. Although there has not yet been an official announcement regarding his new position, a spokesperson from the CDC confirmed to CBS News Atlanta that Abraham is listed in the agency’s address book as the second-in-command.

Abraham, a former Republican congressman from rural northeast Louisiana, served three terms in the House of Representatives before being appointed as surgeon general in December 2023. His appointment comes at a time when the CDC has been without a permanent director since August 2023, following the ousting of Dr. Susan Monarez by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr..

In his capacity as surgeon general, Abraham has gained attention for his skepticism towards government vaccine mandates. In February 2024, he instructed his staff to cease media campaigns and community health fairs aimed at promoting vaccinations, stating in a memo that the Louisiana Department of Health “will no longer promote mass vaccination.” This decision coincided with Kennedy’s confirmation as health secretary, a position that has been associated with a vocal anti-vaccine stance.

Abraham has publicly criticized “blanket government mandates” for vaccines and expressed concerns about the CDC’s approach to promoting COVID-19 vaccinations. He believes individuals should have the autonomy to make their own decisions regarding vaccines, arguing that the government should “pull back its tentacles from the practice of medicine.”

His appointment has not been without controversy. Dr. Nirav Shah, an epidemiologist who previously held the principal deputy director position under the Biden administration, expressed his disapproval on social media. He noted that Abraham’s history, which includes undermining vaccine confidence and downplaying outbreak risks, raises questions about his suitability for a role that involves protecting public health.

The timing of Abraham’s appointment is significant, given Kennedy’s recent intensification of anti-vaccine rhetoric. Earlier this month, a CDC webpage was updated to suggest that studies have not definitively ruled out a link between vaccines and autism, a statement that sparked further debate. Kennedy claimed he personally directed the changes to the CDC’s language.

As the CDC navigates these challenges, the agency continues to seek a permanent director. Abraham’s role will be pivotal in shaping public health policies during a time of heightened scrutiny and debate surrounding vaccination and health mandates. CBS News Atlanta has reached out to Abraham for comment on his new appointment and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.