Trump’s Surgeon General Pick Supports Vaccines–But Doesn’t Say If She Encourages Parents To Vaccinate Children Against Measles

Forbes Business

by Zachary Folk, Forbes Staff

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dr. Regina Benjamin, President Trump’s nominee for Surgeon General, has expressed support for vaccines while stopping short of explicitly encouraging parents to vaccinate their children against measles. During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Benjamin emphasized the importance of individualized discussions between patients, mothers, parents, and healthcare providers about vaccination decisions. While she acknowledged the scientific consensus supporting vaccines, she refrained from taking a definitive stance on mandatory measles vaccination, instead advocating for informed conversations between families and doctors. Benjamin’s nomination has sparked broader debates about vaccine policies and public health messaging. As a respected physician and former Health局局长 in Alabama, her testimony reflects a nuanced approach to balancing medical science with patient autonomy. Her remarks align with the broader shift toward promoting vaccine education rather than enforcing mandates, which has become a contentious issue in American healthcare. From a business perspective, Benjamin’s stance on vaccines carries significant implications for public health spending and healthcare costs. Measles outbreaks, which have surged in recent years, strain healthcare systems by increasing hospitalizations and requiring costly public health interventions. By advocating for vaccines while respecting parental concerns, Benjamin’s approach could help mitigate these economic burdens by reducing the likelihood of preventable disease spread. Ultimately, her nomination highlights the delicate balance between promoting vaccination and addressing vaccine hesitancy. As a key figure in the Department of Health and Human Services, Benjamin’s views on vaccines will influence public health policies that impact both individual families and the broader economy. Her emphasis on doctor-patient communication underscores the importance of trust in healthcare decision-making, which is critical for maintaining public confidence in vaccination efforts.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/25/2026