Casey Means, Surgeon General Nominee, Sidesteps Questions on Vaccines at Senate Hearing

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by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Dani Blum

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dr. Casey Means, a nominee for Surgeon General, faced intense scrutiny during her Senate hearing as she avoided directly answering questions about vaccines. Known for her role as a wellness influencer and author, Means has been a vocal supporter of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is widely associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Despite her claims that “anti-vaccine rhetoric has never been part” of her message, concerns have been raised about her stance on vaccines and her potential influence in the Surgeon General’s role. During the hearing, Means was repeatedly asked by senators, including Richard Blumenthal and Claire Baldwin, to clarify her views on vaccines. While she expressed support for public health and emphasized the importance of science, she declined to provide direct answers when pressed on specific vaccine-related topics. This lack of clarity has sparked criticism from public health experts and lawmakers, who worry that her equivocating responses could undermine confidence in vaccination efforts. Means’ nomination has been under close scrutiny due to her association with Kennedy and her promotion of holistic health approaches. Critics argue that her refusal to address anti-vaccine rhetoric directly raises questions about her suitability for the role of Surgeon General, a position that requires clear communication on critical public health issues. Supporters, however, believe her focus on maternal health and wellness could bring much-needed attention to underserved areas. The hearing highlighted the broader tension between promoting alternative approaches to healthcare and upholding established medical guidelines. Means’ sidestepping of vaccine-related questions has left many wondering whether her nomination could inadvertently fuel vaccine hesitancy, particularly among women and marginalized communities who may be influenced by her messaging. As the confirmation process moves forward, her ability to balance holistic health with evidence-based medicine

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026