Shake-Up at FDA: Tracey Beth Hoeg Set to Depart Amid Vaccine Policy Overhaul

Tracey Beth Hoeg, the acting head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's drug center, is reportedly set to leave the agency shortly after the resignation of Commissioner Marty Makary. Well-known for questioning COVID vaccine efficacy, Hoeg significantly contributed to the reduction of recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11 shots earlier this year.

This vaccine schedule alteration was subsequently put on pause amid a lawsuit challenging vaccine policy changes under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. A spokesperson for the Health and Human Services stated that they do not comment on staffing issues.

Hoeg's anticipated departure is part of a more extensive shake-up within the health department. The White House is increasingly managing the department, a strategy driven by potential electoral impacts of Kennedy's vaccine policy reform. As part of this strategy, Chris Klomp has been appointed to help appoint more mainstream leaders post-Makary's exit, including expected departures of several lower-level FDA officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)