Summary
Surgeon General nominee Casey Means stated she believes vaccines save lives but did not firmly encourage vaccination during her confirmation hearing. She faced questions about vaccine messaging and did not dismiss a potential link between vaccines and autism, a claim not supported by the medical community.
Key Facts
- Casey Means is nominated to be the Surgeon General.
- At her confirmation hearing, she said vaccines save lives but stopped short of urging vaccination.
- She suggested individuals talk to their doctors before getting vaccinated.
- Senator Bill Cassidy questioned her about vaccines and autism; she said the cause of autism is not known.
- Cassidy emphasized recent measles outbreaks, highlighting the importance of vaccines.
- Means focuses on preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
- Her background includes studying medicine at Stanford, but she did not complete her residency.
