Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr. Ralph Abraham has been confirmed by HHS and is listed by the CDC as principal deputy director, filling a role vacant since Nirav Shah’s February departure. Abraham, who as Louisiana’s health chief halted state promotion of COVID, flu and mpox vaccines, publicly criticized COVID shots and oversaw a whooping cough outbreak of 387 cases with two infant deaths and delayed warnings — actions that have drawn sharp rebukes from former CDC leaders who say his appointment risks undermining vaccine confidence amid broader leadership controversies at the agency.