Trump's surgeon general pick now says people should get vaccinated for measles

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: The Hill

Saturday 14 March 2026 19:37 EDT


Surgeon General nominee Casey Means, who drew criticism last month for sidestepping a direct endorsement of the measles vaccine during her confirmation hearing, has clarified that she believes people should take the shot, according to written responses obtained by MS NOW.

Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns after Means told senators that vaccinations “save lives” and were a critical part of public health strategy, but stopped short of broadly encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated against illnesses such as measles, the flu or whooping cough.

Responding to requests for additional information from members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Means said she agreed with “Dr. Oz’s message to Americans to take the measles vaccine,” according to MS NOW. Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), encouraged Americans in early February to get vaccinated, amid a nationwide resurgence in measles cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,362 cases across 31 states as of March 12, 2026. There have been 14 reported new measles outbreaks, which are defined as three or more related cases.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/5784691-measles-vaccine-surgeon-general-stance/

[cab67]

1. She wants to get approved.

[displacedvermoter]

3. Markwayne made an ass of himself, as per,

at her hearing a few weeks ago, yelling at Bernie and spouting about failed "Democrat" health care. I imagine she is another sure thing, all the Republicans and Fetterman, certainly a couple more Dems.

[cab67]

6. Not necessarily

Some Republicans are starting to break ranks with RFK Jr, who's been an even bigger disaster than many of us feared. There are Republicans (some of them MDs) who are upset that RFK Jr lied through his teeth about his views on vaccines, and she comes across as being no different. So I'm not sure she's a sure thing at all.

[displacedvermoter]

8. Hope you are right

I would have thought they were growing more skeptical of the intelligence sharing they were getting from Trump Administration, but the 3 star nominated to senior military intelligence slot passed easily last week, with a dozen Dems going with, besides Fetterman.

And Markwayne himself, a prized idiot and a hothead, will get approved easily as well.

[Javaman]

2. But but but.. Bobby brain worms said something stupid

Just another version of brain worms Marshall island

[groundloop]

4. It's hard to imagine that saying people should get a measles vaccine is even newsworthy.

What a bizarro world our country has become.

[Attilatheblond]

5. How long until Trump insists on a cage fight between Means and RFK jr?

Battle of the Pricks

[mpcamb]

7. Coupla thousand cases later she take a 'bold' stand in favor of vaccination.

Hardly a reason to appoint her Surgeon General, right?

[progree]

9. Does she still believe everyone should have a conversation with their doctor ...

That's always their duck, dodge, and weave ...

The U.S. is now on the verge of losing its measles elimination status after more than two decades, having met the typical criteria of 12 months of consistent spread on Jan. 20. ((whatever international body is responsible for this designation sure is negligent in not making this declaration by now -progree))

Noting that milestone, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) pressed Means during her Feb. 25 confirmation hearing on whether she would encourage mothers to get their children vaccinated against the disease.

“I’m supportive of vaccination. I do believe that each patient, mother or parent needs to have a conversation with their pediatrician about any medication they’re putting in their body and their children’s body,” Means replied, refusing to go further.

MS NOW reported that Means clarified in her written responses this week that she viewed the measles outbreak “as largely preventable with the MMR vaccine.”

But FREEDUMB ... Constitutional-Right-to-infect-others ... Talk to your doctor first ...