Surgeon General Nominee Faces Tough Questions on Vaccines, Qualifications

Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and entrepreneur, is pressed on her views and experience during confirmation hearing

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Dr. Casey Means, President Biden's nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, faced tough questions from senators during her confirmation hearing about her views on vaccines, birth control, and her qualifications for the role. Means, a 38-year-old wellness influencer and entrepreneur, shared a vision for addressing the root causes of chronic disease, but senators raised concerns about her lack of government experience, her past promotion of products without disclosing financial interests, and her positions on divisive health topics.

Why it matters

The Surgeon General is a key public health leader who can influence Americans' views on critical issues like vaccination. Senators wanted to ensure Means would be an effective, science-based voice, especially given her ties to figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who have promoted misinformation about vaccines.

The details

During the hearing, Means declined to commit to advising Americans to get flu and measles vaccines amid outbreaks. She also said she accepts the evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, but added that 'science is never settled.' Senators also pressed Means on her past comments criticizing birth control pills and raising concerns about the hepatitis B vaccine. Means said she supports the availability of birth control but raised issues about side effects. She said she supports the CDC's approach to the hepatitis B birth dose. Senators questioned Means' qualifications, noting she has no government experience and her medical license is not currently active.

  • The confirmation hearing took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Dr. Casey Means

The nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, a 38-year-old wellness influencer, author, and entrepreneur with a medical degree from Stanford University.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health Secretary and leader of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, who is an ally of Dr. Means.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

The independent senator from Vermont and ranking member of the Senate health committee, who expressed serious concerns about Dr. Means' ability to serve as Surgeon General.

Sen. Bill Cassidy

The Republican senator from Louisiana who chairs the Senate health committee and questioned Dr. Means on her views about vaccines.

Sen. Patty Murray

The Democratic senator from Washington who asked Dr. Means to address her past comments criticizing birth control pills.

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What they’re saying

“Our nation is angry, exhausted and hurting from preventable diseases. If we're addressing shared root causes, we're going to be able to stop the whack-a-mole medicine that's not working for us and that is so costly.”

— Dr. Casey Means, Nominee for U.S. Surgeon General

“I have very serious questions about the ability of Dr. Means to be the kind of surgeon general this country needs.”

— Sen. Bernie Sanders, Senate health committee ranking member

“Doctors do not have enough time for a thorough informed consent conversation.”

— Dr. Casey Means, Nominee for U.S. Surgeon General

What’s next

The Senate health committee will next consider whether to advance Dr. Means' nomination, which would then go to a full Senate vote.

The takeaway

Dr. Means' nomination has raised concerns about her qualifications and views on divisive health topics like vaccines and birth control, underscoring the importance of the Surgeon General role in providing science-based leadership on public health issues.