CDC Deputy Steps Down as Agency Faces Leadership Turnover

Dr. Ralph Abraham has stepped down as the CDC Principal Deputy Director. He left the job on February 23, 2026 and the change took effect immediately.

The CDC said he stepped down to address unforeseen family obligations. The agency thanked him for his service.

Abraham had started at the CDC in January and had been Louisiana’s surgeon general. In that job he had called COVID-19 vaccines 'dangerous' and he had paused mass vaccination events. Jay Bhattacharya is now serving as acting CDC director. A CDC vaccine advisory meeting scheduled for later in February was not held. People are watching what happens next at the CDC.