**CDC Expert Resigns Following Controversial Changes to COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations**

In a significant shake-up at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a leading expert overseeing the update of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations has resigned. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and co-leader of the CDC's working group on COVID-19 vaccines, stepped down on Tuesday, citing an inability to continue helping vulnerable populations in her current role at the CDC.

The resignation was first revealed by The Associated Press and was later corroborated by CBS News. This development follows a contentious decision by health secretary and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who last week unilaterally altered some of the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine guidelines. Kennedy's revisions have restricted vaccine access for children and pregnant individuals, which has led to significant disruptions ahead of the scheduled public evaluation of vaccine data by CDC experts and advisors on June 25-27.

Panagiotakopoulos shared her decision to resign with her colleagues on the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in an email. She expressed her commitment to public health and her frustration at not being able to fulfill her mission of protecting the most vulnerable under the current circumstances. "That is not something I am able to continue doing in this role," she noted.

Previously, the CDC had recommended COVID-19 vaccines for every individual aged six months and older, with a particular emphasis on vaccinating pregnant individuals. The rationale behind this was that pregnancy suppresses the immune system, significantly increasing the risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has underscored the severe risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy, describing potential infections as "catastrophic."

Kennedy's recent announcement, however, has undermined these recommendations. The CDC's revised vaccination schedule for adults now suggests that pregnant individuals should "delay vaccination until after pregnancy if vaccine is indicated." Additionally, while Kennedy claimed to revoke recommendations for vaccinating healthy children, the revised guidelines instead introduced a "shared clinical decision-making" clause, requiring a consensus between the child’s doctor and parents.

The practical implications of these changes remain uncertain, particularly regarding continued vaccine coverage by health insurance for children and pregnant individuals. The unanticipated revisions are expected to cause confusion and potentially deter vaccination efforts further.

Reacting to Panagiotakopoulos' resignation, one federal health official remarked, "More of us should be resigning in protest." The ACIP is set to convene from June 25 to June 27 to publicly discuss the updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations amidst the evolving situation.