Former CDC director testifies on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON (CBS, KYMA) - The fired former head of the CDC appeared on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning where she had a warning for lawmakers.

Former Director Susan Monarez, who was fired less than a month after her Senate confirmation, raised a red flag over what could happen to America's kids if the Vaccine Advisory Panel, Health and Human Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently overhauled, proceeds with its scheduled meeting Thursday.

"Based on what I observed during my tenure, there is real risk that recommendations could be made restricting access to vaccines for children and others in need without rigorous scientific review," Monarez shared.

Monarez also said she believes she was fired because she would not commit in advance to approving the recommendations from the Vaccine Advisory Panel and would not dismiss career scientists without cause.

Earlier this month, HHS Secretary Kennedy denied pressuring Monarez to pre-approve vaccine recommendations, saying she was fired because she said she wasn't "trustworthy."

An HHS spokesperson said in a statement her remarks to the Senate committee have factual inaccuracies and leave out important details.