Surgeon General Nominee Dodges Senators’ Questions on Vaccines

“Would you encourage other mothers to have their children vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine?” “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 or their children’s body.” Doctor, would you encourage her to have her child vaccinated?” “I’m not an individual’s doctor, and every individual needs to talk to their doctor before putting a medication in their body.” “Secretary Kennedy stated, quote, ‘There is no evidence, no evidence, that the flu vaccine prevents serious disease or that it prevents hospitalization or deaths in children. Do you agree with that statement?” “Senator Kaine, as I’ve said, I believe vaccines save lives.” “Do you believe that there’s no evidence that there’s — the flu vaccine has efficacy in reducing serious injury or hospitalization?” “I, I —” “This is an easy one, Doctor. This is an easy one.” “I support the C.D.C.’s guidance on the flu vaccine. Anti-vaccine rhetoric has never been a part of my message. I don’t mention the word vaccine in my book. This is not a part of my core message. I am not here to complicate the issue on vaccines.”