WASHINGTON – William ‍Thompson,a vaccine advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ​with connections to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.⁤ Kennedy Jr.,⁤ is being assigned⁢ a ⁢new role overseeing research into adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), according to documents reviewed by STAT and confirmed by an agency employee familiar with the matter.

Thompson, ⁢who recently advised Kennedy ⁤on vaccine policy and has ⁣previously expressed concerns about the CDC’s handling of vaccine risk data,⁣ will⁢ be temporarily promoted to a GS-15, the highest level of civilian government workers with supervisory responsibilities. This promotion was first reported by STAT on May 9, 2024.

Alignment with Kennedy’s‍ Agenda

According to the documents reviewed by ⁤STAT, Thompson’s new role will focus on ​aligning research concerning ACEs – traumatic events or‌ environments that negatively impact children’s​ advancement – with the objectives of​ Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement. ACEs are linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes in adulthood, including ‌mental health issues,⁤ chronic diseases,‍ and substance abuse. The CDC defines ACEs ​as including ⁣abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.

Thompson will also be responsible for mentoring students and ​fellows involved in research ​projects. This expanded role gives him influence over the direction of research within the agency.

Thompson’s Previous Concerns⁣ Regarding Vaccine Data

Thompson’s past statements regarding vaccine safety have‌ drawn scrutiny. He previously suggested that the CDC omitted data​ suggesting a link between vaccines and autism,⁢ a claim that has ‌been widely debunked by the scientific community. Reuters has fact-checked⁢ and debunked ‍claims about Thompson’s allegations.

His‌ recent advisory role to Kennedy on vaccine policy further fuels concerns about potential bias in ‍his new position. Kennedy is‍ a vocal critic of‍ vaccines and ‌has promoted misinformation about their safety and efficacy. The Associated Press ⁣has reported extensively on Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance.

Impact ⁣on⁤ the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

The promotion is expected to ‍influence the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior surveillance System (YRBSS), a nationally representative survey that monitors ⁢health-related behaviors among high school students. The YRBSS collects data on​ a range of topics, including ACEs, mental‍ health, and substance use. More data about the YRBSS can be found on the CDC website.

Changes to the YRBSS​ could perhaps alter the way ACEs ‍are measured and reported, potentially impacting public ⁣health initiatives aimed at ‌preventing and mitigating the effects of childhood ‌trauma.