The CDC has delayed publication of a report on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness that had been scheduled for March 19, according to an April 9 report from The Washington Post.
The report found that vaccinated healthy adults reduced their likelihood of emergency department and urgent care visits by 50% and COVID-associated hospitalizations by 55% between September and December 2025.
Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, delayed the report over concerns about the study’s methodology, though the approach has long been used by the agency to assess vaccine effectiveness for respiratory viruses.
The delay comes amid broader instability at the CDC. The agency has been without a Senate-confirmed director since August, and the White House has delayed naming a permanent leader. Dr. Bhattacharya has overseen the agency in an acting capacity while also serving as director of the National Institutes of Health.
The CDC is also facing operational strain, including paused testing for rabies and pox viruses, staff attrition and ongoing measles outbreaks, raising concerns among public health experts about the agency’s capacity and direction.
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