Surgeon General Nominee Backs MMR Vaccine Safety

A radiologist nominated for U.S. Surgeon General took a strong stand for vaccine safety during her Senate confirmation hearing, breaking from statements made by President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Nicole Saphier, a Fox News personality and radiologist, told lawmakers Wednesday that she has "not seen reputable evidence that would suggest that vaccines cause autism." She directly countered Trump's recent claim that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine may be "lethal" by calling it "our greatest tool for combating measles."

The timing matters. Nearly 3,300 measles cases have been confirmed across the U.S. this year as of September 11, more than 1,000 cases higher than all of 2025. Four people have died in the current outbreak, the most since 1992.

Saphier went further by supporting hepatitis B vaccination at birth, a CDC recommendation that Kennedy and other Trump health officials have tried to eliminate. "The hepatitis B vaccines are one of the most tangible ways we have to prevent cancer," she explained, noting the vaccine protects against hepatitis-related liver cancers.

The radiologist is Trump's third nominee for the position since his second term began. She replaced wellness influencer Casey Means, who faced bipartisan criticism for positions on vaccines and alternative medicine.

The Ripple Effect

When a nominee for the nation's top public health position defends vaccines during a measles outbreak, words become action. Saphier's testimony sends a clear message to families weighing vaccination decisions: the science supports safety and effectiveness.

Her stance may help bridge the gap between public health officials and communities hit hardest by preventable disease outbreaks. Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Saphier practiced radiology, is known for evidence-based medicine and cancer prevention.

Public health advocates remain cautious. Some criticize her emphasis on "personal responsibility" over systemic health factors. But her vaccine support marks a significant departure from recent administration messaging that has questioned vaccine safety.

If confirmed, Saphier says providing prevention information will be her priority. "There are small, tangible lifestyle modifications that people can do that will drastically reduce their risk of illness," she told senators.

Her confirmation hearing signals that even in politically charged times, medical professionals can stand firm on scientific evidence about lifesaving vaccines.