Dr. Carol Baker (a paediatric infectious disease specialist and former chair of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, appointed in 2009) said seemingly genocidal words during a panel discussion on May 9, 2016, hosted by the National Meningitis Association titled something like "Achieving Childhood Vaccine Success in the U.S." The clip has circulated widely online (including on YouTube, see link below). She referred to vaccine "refusers" (distinguishing them from those merely hesitant) and said, "We'll just get rid of all the whites in the United States… Guess who wants to get vaccinated the most? Immigrants."
The full context from available reports and the circulating video is that she was discussing data from studies (at the time) showing higher rates of vaccine refusal among certain demographic groups — specifically, often more affluent, educated white populations in the U.S., while immigrant communities tended to have higher acceptance rates for childhood vaccines. She was expressing frustration with persistent refusal in those groups as a barrier to broader vaccination success.
Why This Statement is Alarming
Even granting the context of frustration over vaccine uptake data (and not a literal call for genocide or mass removal), the remark is deeply troubling for several reasons:
Casual Use of Eliminationist Language
Saying "get rid of" an entire racial group — even hyperbolically or jokingly in a professional setting — is inflammatory and unacceptable. It echoes dangerous historical rhetoric where groups are framed as obstacles to be removed for societal "progress." In public health, where trust is essential, this kind of phrasing alienates people and fuels suspicions that officials view certain populations as disposable or problematic.
Racial Framing of a Public Health Issue
Public health challenges like vaccine issues should be addressed through education, access, outreach, and policy — not by racial generalisations. Framing refusal as predominantly a "white" problem (even if backed by some studies at the time) risks stereotyping and ignores nuance: refusal crosses demographics, often tied to education, socioeconomic factors, misinformation, or distrust in institutions (distrust that statements like this can worsen). It also overlooks refusal in other groups and acceptance in white populations.
Erosion of Trust in Institutions
Dr. Baker held a high-level CDC advisory role (appointed under the Obama administration). When someone in such a position uses racially charged language, even in a moment of exasperation, it damages credibility. This is especially harmful in communities already sceptical due to historical abuses (e.g., Tuskegee, forced sterilisations).
Implications for Equity and Ethics
Public health ethics demand impartiality and respect for all groups. Suggesting (even facetiously) that reducing a racial demographic would solve a problem implies a utilitarian view where ends justify extreme means. This clashes with principles of equity, human rights, and non-discrimination. It also highlights a broader issue: when experts vent frustrations in ways that demean groups, it can normalise divisive thinking in policy circles.
Amplification in Polarised Times
The clip resurfaced around 2020 amid COVID-19 vaccine debates, where racial and political divides over mandates were intense. Outlets framed it as evidence of anti-white bias or depopulation agendas, while defenders called it a miscontextualised joke about demographics. Either way, the soundbite spreads easily and reinforces polarisation, making constructive dialogue harder.
In short, while this wasn't a serious "depopulation plan" (no evidence suggests she advocated literal action, and she was highlighting data trends), the flippant racial phrasing from a senior public health figure is alarming because it undermines trust, promotes division, and distracts from real solutions like better communication. Public health leaders must model careful, inclusive language — especially on sensitive topics. This moment exemplifies how even offhand remarks can have outsized negative impact.