Surgeon General Nominee Faces Tough Questions on Vaccines, Birth Control

Dr. Casey Means' unconventional background and views raise concerns among senators

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Wellness influencer and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means faced sharp questioning from senators during her confirmation hearing to become the next U.S. Surgeon General. Senators grilled Means on her views about vaccines, birth control, and her qualifications for the role, which include a lack of government experience and an inactive medical license.

Why it matters

The Surgeon General is a key public health leader, and Means' nomination has raised concerns about her ability to effectively promote evidence-based policies and provide trustworthy guidance to the public on critical health issues like vaccines and reproductive health.

The details

During the hearing, Means emphasized her vision of addressing the root causes of chronic disease, which aligns with the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, senators from both parties questioned Means' stance on vaccines, with some expressing concerns about her comments questioning the safety and efficacy of certain vaccines. Senators also scrutinized Means' past comments about birth control, as well as her promotion of products and services without fully disclosing potential conflicts of interest.

  • The confirmation hearing took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Senate health committee will next consider whether to advance Means' nomination, which would then go to a full Senate vote.

The players

Dr. Casey Means

A 38-year-old wellness influencer, author, and entrepreneur who is President Biden's nominee for U.S. Surgeon General. Means has an unconventional background, having dropped out of a surgical residency program and later starting her own functional medicine practice.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

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

Sen. Bill Cassidy

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

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health Secretary who has promoted the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, which aligns with Means' vision of addressing the root causes of chronic disease.

Dr. Rich Carmona

A former Surgeon General under the Bush administration who has publicly suggested that Means is not fit for the job.

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What they’re saying

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

— Sen. Bernie Sanders, Ranking member, Senate health committee

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

— Dr. Casey Means, Surgeon General nominee

“What I would say as a private citizen is in many cases different than what I'd say as a public health official.”

— Dr. Casey Means, Surgeon General nominee

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Means' nomination has raised significant concerns about her ability to effectively lead the nation's public health efforts, given her unconventional background, controversial views on issues like vaccines and birth control, and potential conflicts of interest. Her confirmation faces an uphill battle as senators scrutinize her qualifications and fitness for the role of Surgeon General.