Bob Garrett wants to send a message on vaccines.
The Hackensack Meridian Health CEO said he believes inconsistent federal messaging has made it harder for parents to know whom to trust — and he’s worried about the consequences.
“If you’re a young parent and you’re hearing something from the CDC, and you’re hearing something else from our state and from some of the other states, you’re going to be pretty confused,” he said. “That’s not good. We need to have a clear, consistent, concise message that’s based on all the scientific evidence that’s out there.”
Garrett is clear: He doesn’t have an issue with state officials. In fact, he credits the N.J. Department of Health for following the science.
Vaccines, he said, have been proven to keep children healthy for generations.
Garrett’s beef is with federal officials, who not only are scaling back vaccination schedules, but seemingly challenging the efficacy of all vaccines.
And while vaccination rates in New Jersey have not declined as sharply as in other states, he pointed to a recent Measles outbreak in South Carolina as a warning sign.
“I’ve been outspoken about that because I do think it’s a public health issue,” he said. “Measles don’t stop at state lines. What we’re seeing in other states could certainly happen here.”
Garrett brings gravitas to the conversation. Earlier today, he called for a statewide summit on health care costs. (Click here to read)
And last fall, he was the leader of the Hackensack Meridian Health team that was a co-No. 1 last fall in the BINJE’s Best Health care leaders, is an acknowledged thought-leader around the world.
That’s why he can be eager to partner with federal agencies on Medicare and Medicaid reform — where he says CMS has been open to innovation and value‑based care — but disagree with Health and Human Services/CDC on the communication front for vaccines.
“It’s really causing some confusion,” he said.
For HMH, the planning implications are practical. A health system that spans the state must be ready for vaccine‑preventable disease flare‑ups if uptake falls, Garrett said. That means front‑line communication, coordination with public health agencies, and the capacity to surge when needed.
Garrett’s view is simple: Vaccines work. And New Jersey’s science‑based approach should the model. All that’s needed, he said, is an evidence‑based message that enables young parents to make educated decisions.
