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CDC Study Finds COVID Shots Cut Urgent Care Visits, Hospitalizations
Trump Health Official Blocks Release of Positive Vaccine Data
Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:26pm
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An X-ray view of the inner workings of a COVID-19 vaccine, revealing the complex structures that provide protection against the virus.Washington TodayA CDC study found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced the risk of emergency department or urgent care visits and hospitalizations among healthy adults during the 2025-2026 season. However, the study's publication has been blocked by the acting CDC director, who has concerns about the methodology.
Why it matters
The suppression of this positive vaccine data by a Trump administration official known for anti-vaccine views raises concerns about political interference undermining public health science and transparency at federal agencies.
The details
The CDC study, which went through the agency's standard scientific review process, concluded that healthy adults vaccinated with the 2025-2026 COVID-19 shot saw their risk of emergency department or urgent care visits cut by 50% and their risk of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations cut by 55%, compared to unvaccinated adults. However, acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya blocked the study's scheduled publication in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, claiming he has concerns about the test-negative study design, which is a well-established method for examining real-world vaccine effectiveness.
- The study analyzed data from September to December 2025.
- The study was slated for publication on March 19, 2026.
The players
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The anti-vaccine Health Secretary who has blocked the CDC from publishing the positive vaccine study.
Jay Bhattacharya
The acting CDC director who has delayed the publication of the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine study, citing concerns about the methodology.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The federal agency whose scientists conducted the COVID-19 vaccine study that has been blocked from publication.
What’s next
Health experts are calling for the immediate release of the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine study to ensure transparency and public trust in the agency's scientific findings.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining the integrity of public health science and data in the face of political interference, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like vaccine safety and efficacy.
