Merck announced that Dr. Julie Gerberding will become president of Merck Vaccines effective January 25, 2010. Dr. Gerberding led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as director from 2002 to 2009. Merck chairman and CEO Richard T. Clark commented, “Vaccines are a cornerstone of Merck’s commitment to health and wellness. We are delighted to welcome an expert of Dr. Gerberding’s caliber to Merck. As a preeminent authority in public health, infectious diseases and vaccines, Dr. Gerberding is the ideal choice to lead Merck’s engagement with organizations around the world that share our commitment to the use of vaccines to prevent disease and save lives.” Merck said that in her new role, Dr. Gerberding will lead the company’s $5 billion global vaccine business. Merck “currently markets a broad range of pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines and is a leading provider of vaccines in countries around the world; in the U.S., Merck markets vaccines for 12 of the 17 diseases for which the U.S. Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices currently recommends vaccines.”

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