CDC deputy director Jennifer Shuford resigns after just four months in the role

October 27, 2026

1 min read

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Jennifer Shuford, a well-respected infectious disease researcher, cited a desire to spend more time with her family

By Adam Kovac edited by Claire Cameron

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The deputy director and chief medical officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is leaving her job after just four months.

Jennifer Shuford, an infectious disease specialist, was appointed by President Donald Trump in June after spending almost four years as the commissioner of Texas’ Department of State Health Services. Shuford had previously served as Texas' chief state epidemiologist and an infectious disease medical officer, as well as being an infectious disease physician in private practice.

Shuford confirmed her departure to The Washington Post late on Monday, citing a desire to spend time with her family. Sources told the Post that she had clashed with the administration over its attempts to overhaul America's vaccine guidance, and that this reportedly factored into her leaving.

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Her resignation comes at a difficult moment for the CDC. The agency has come under fire from infectious disease experts for its response to the ongoing measles outbreak, including seemingly disputing several recorded deaths from the disease in Pennsylvania. And for the first time in years, the agency has not held a flu vaccine awareness campaign ahead of flu season, leaving independent organizations to issue their own guidance. Public confidence in the CDC, meanwhile, has plummeted, with a recent survey showing only half the country trusts health recommendations from the agency at all.

The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This is a breaking news story and may be updated.

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