After pulling vaccine study, Bhattacharya criticizes long-running CDC publication: Agency's temporary director says Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report needs external reviewers.

Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3
Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3
Authored By: Cohen, Jon 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on a debate over the peer-review process of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), sparked by the temporary CDC director Jayanta Bhattacharya’s decision to delay and ultimately reject a COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study. Bhattacharya questioned MMWR’s lack of external peer review, contrasting with former CDC officials who defend its rigorous internal review system designed for rapid public health communication. Some experts suggest that external review could enhance objectivity and guard against political interference, especially now that the COVID-19 emergency has subsided. The controversy reflects broader concerns about editorial independence and scientific rigor within the CDC’s flagship publication. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

Source:Sciencemag.org. 2026/04, pN.PAG
Document Type:Article
Subject Area:Public Health
Publication Date:2026
Accession Number:193254358
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