### Dr. Marty Makary Questions Federal Recommendations on Covid-19 Vaccinations

In a revealing interview on CBS' "Face the Nation," FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary expressed skepticism about previous federal recommendations concerning Covid-19 vaccinations. During the discussion with host Margaret Brennan, Makary emphasized the importance of doctor-patient consultations over general federal advice.

Makary's remarks come in the wake of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s directive stating that Covid-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. The CDC's subsequent guidance offered a somewhat different stance, adding to the confusion and leaving room for varied interpretations.

Throughout the conversation, Makary was critical of past protocols and underscored the need for more controlled studies to ensure stronger, evidence-based decisions on vaccine approval. He criticized the CDC's data, labeling it as "contaminated with a lot of false positives" due to routine testing, and cast doubt on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices by describing it as "a kangaroo court" that rubber-stamps vaccines.

When pressed by Brennan about what specific data was lacking and when it might be made available, Makary maintained a consistent message that the decision about vaccinations, particularly for pregnant women, should fall to individual patients and their doctors. He avoided providing a concrete timeline for the availability of more definitive data, instead reiterating that doctors should use their best judgment in the absence of clear federal guidance.

Dr. Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon prior to his FDA nomination, has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's Covid-19 response, aligning him with figures like Kennedy. Former President Trump appointed Makary, asserting that he would restore trust in the FDA and steer the agency back on course.

In summary, the interview highlighted ongoing tension and uncertainty regarding federal Covid-19 vaccination guidelines. Makary's stance on relying on doctor-patient consultations over federal directives underscores the complexity and evolving nature of public health guidance in the pandemic era.