Thread by @AliHMokdad

No amount of media training can fix bad messaging, @CDCDirector. The root of this problem, the problem of back and forth messaging coming out of the @CDC_gov, cannot be fixed by one individual working on their personal communication skills. 1/
cnn.com/2022/01/07/pol…

It worries me that @CDCDirector told @CNN: "We actually don't know how our rapid tests perform and how well they predict whether you're transmissible during the end of disease." We need to know how well rapid tests perform at this point in the pandemic. 2/

Is it 5 days or 10 days of isolation after you test positive for #COVID19? Americans shouldn't be making their best guess because of waffling guidance. end/

After considering our current situation as Americans and my past experiences @CDCgov, I want to share some additional thoughts. 1/

On Oct 5, 2004, @CDCgov ACIP recommended that influenza vaccine be reserved for persons in certain priority groups and asked others to defer or forego vaccination due to a shortage of available influenza vaccine for the 2004/5 influenza season. 2/
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/m…

However, my branch with the help of state health departments and contractors added questions to @BRFSS to monitor vaccine uptake. We were able to generate daily reports on who is getting the vaccine and where. 3/
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/m…

Through surveillance data, we were able to tell when vaccines could be distributed to the general public. 4/
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/m…

In response, @CDCgov changed the recommendation mid-season and people got vaccinated. This effort ensured that vaccines were not wasted. 5/
stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/25131

@CDCgov has the most dedicated and capable public health professionals, I had the privilege to work and learn from them for many years. Take the politics out and let scientists do their job. For everyone’s sake. end/