The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reportedly canceling a flu-vaccine campaign that depicted wild animals and encouraged Americans to tame the illness through immunization.

The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases told CDC staff that the Department of Health and Human Services had taken a second look at the ad campaign and decided it shouldn’t continue, according to NPR, which reported that the decision unfolded on Wednesday.

New administrations often take a new course at agencies, though the decision coincides with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first full week as HHS secretary.

Mr. Kennedy won confirmation despite concerns among Democratic senators that he was prone to second-guessing settled science about vaccines. His approach to vaccines and their promotion will be a major talking point.

The “Wild to Mild” flu vaccine depicted wild animals like lions with cuddlier creatures, like kittens, to describe how the vaccine could tamp down flu symptoms.

The Washington Times reached out to the HHS and the CDC for comment on why the campaign was canceled.

More than 50,000 patients were admitted to U.S. hospitals for influenza during the week ending on Feb. 8, according to the CDC’s weekly report.

“Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated and is higher than it has been all season,” the CDC website says.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.