Drama

HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon then released a statement to media pointing to Malone’s retraction and adding “Unless officially announced by us, any assertions about what we are doing next is baseless speculation.”

Malone told Roll Call today that Nixon’s response was what led to his departure. “After Andrew trashing me with the press, I am done with the CDC and ACIP,” Malone said in a text message Tuesday morning. “That was the last straw.”

“Suffice to say I do not like drama, and have better things to do,” he added.

HHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Rich Danker and former ACIP Chair Martin Kulldorff, who now serves as the HHS chief science officer, then contacted Roll Call on Tuesday to provide a statement confirming Malone’s departure and defending Nixon. “In light of the court ruling and the enormous amount of volunteer time provided by ACIP members to enhance public health, I can sympathize with [Malone’s] decision to step away,” Kulldorf reportedly said. “As for Andrew Nixon, I found him to be professional and honest in all his work supporting ACIP.” Kulldorff and Danker declined further comment.

Malone, in contrast, wasn’t done speaking. In further comments to the New York Times, he said his departure “was not an impulsive decision.”

“Hundreds of hours of uncompensated labor, incredible hate from many quarters, hostile press, internal bickering, weaponized leaking, sabotage—I have better things to do,” he said.

Joseph Hibbeln, another ACIP member selected by Kennedy who often disagreed with Malone, told the Times that Malone’s stated wish to avoid drama “contrasts with his prior dramatic and confusing statements.”

“It is good that Dr. Malone wishes now to decrease drama regarding vaccines,” Hibbeln said.