Surgeon general nominee draws criticism for vaccine claims

Additionally, a lawsuit challenging the CDC’s vaccine schedule overhaul gained praise, and an unvaccinated child hospitalized with a severe measles complication sparked debate about parental freedom.

The surgeon general nominee was widely criticized after repeating several false and misleading claims about vaccines during her Senate confirmation hearing. Meanwhile, the CDC’s revised childhood immunization schedule continues to draw criticism and legal challenges, with 15 states joining a lawsuit claiming the changes were not based on research or expertise. The lawsuit received mostly positive responses online. In South Carolina, rising measles cases and an unvaccinated child with a life-threatening measles complication fueled debate about health freedom.

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What’s trending in vaccine conversation:

On February 25, U.S. surgeon general nominee Casey Means was questioned about past misleading and false claims about vaccines, prompting online debate about safety, effectiveness, and informed consent. Means did not clearly answer questions about whether she recommends routine childhood vaccines or whether she acknowledges that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Instead, she emphasized informed consent and suggested that patients consult their physician. Online, health care providers argued that Means, who does not have an active medical license, is not qualified to serve as surgeon general. Many social media users called on senators to vote against her confirmation, but some expressed support and advocated for parental choice.

On February 24, 15 states launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging recent revisions to the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule, which they say is “flouting decades of scientific research, ignoring credible medical experts, and threatening to strain state resources and make America’s children sicker.” A group of medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, is also suing the administration on similar grounds. The lawsuit drew mixed responses online, with some praising state leaders for “fighting back” against changes to vaccine policy, while others argued that the lawsuits are political grandstanding and that vaccinations against highly contagious and deadly diseases should be a personal choice rather than a public health concern.

Media coverage of an unvaccinated South Carolina boy hospitalized with measles encephalitis (brain inflammation) is circulating online as the state’s outbreak approaches 1,000 cases as of March 3. The 7-year-old’s vaccination status and hospitalization prompted criticism from many online, especially after his parents stated they didn’t regret not vaccinating the child or his siblings, who also contracted measles. Social media users expressed concern about the safety of children whose parents decline vaccines and emphasized the serious risks of a measles infection.

Read the fact checks: 

• CIDRAP: Vaccine myths that won’t die and how to counter them—part 1 
• HealthyChildren.org: All About the AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Measles outbreaks in the U.S. highlight the importance of vaccination

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. Use these helpful tips when creating content, updating web pages and FAQs, and developing strategy for messaging about vaccines.

Misleading claims about vaccine safety and effectiveness may dissuade parents from vaccinating their children, especially when made by public figures. Debunking messaging may emphasize that flu vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even when the vaccine is not well-matched to the season’s dominant strain. Health communicators may explain that all vaccines undergo rigorous testing before they are approved to make sure they are safe and effective for children. Emphasizing that vaccination is the only safe way to protect children from dangerous diseases like measles and polio is recommended. Messaging may also circulate vetted sources for vaccine information, such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center and HealthyChildren.org.

Contradictory vaccine guidance from federal agencies may continue to create confusion, hesitancy, and distrust. Continuing to lead with accurate information from vetted sources is recommended, as is explaining why we know vaccines are safe and how vaccines protect children and their communities. Messaging may explain that the AAP’s 2026 vaccine schedule is endorsed by a dozen major medical organizations and supported by decades of evidence showing that childhood vaccines help protect children. Health communicators may emphasize that parents may choose to keep their children on the AAP’s evidence-based schedule and that the vaccines on the schedule are still covered by insurance.

Recent measles outbreaks in South Carolina and other states highlight the real-world impact of vaccine hesitancy on children and their communities. Health communicators may address common misconceptions by explaining that measles is extremely contagious and can cause severe illness, life-threatening complications, and lasting damage to a child’s immune system. Messaging may emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective against infection, provides lifelong protection, and helps prevent deadly outbreaks. Stressing that vaccination is the only safe way to prevent measles is recommended.