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Senators Warn That Changed Vaccine Guidance Could Reduce Coverage as Measles Cases Rise
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Summary
Multiple senators cited rising measles cases and urged the nominee to defend established vaccine science; Dr. Menares said measles remains an important public‑health threat and acknowledged the need for robust prevention efforts.
Several senators told the committee they are alarmed by a resurgence of measles and by what they described as political pressure on vaccine policy. They pressed Dr. Menares to signal whether she would publicly defend established science and routine immunization recommendations if confirmed.
Senator Kaine said measles had been eliminated in the United States for decades and cited 1,214 cases in the first half of the year as a return to levels not seen since elimination. Senators emphasized that measles can be lethal in rare cases and that vaccine‑recommendation changes could reduce insurance coverage and access.
When asked whether she had concerns about Secretary Kennedy's public comments about measles and alternative therapies, Dr. Menares said measles "is an important public health threat" and that vitamin A is a WHO‑endorsed supportive therapy in some contexts, but she said she was not familiar with the specific 87 percent effectiveness figure attributed to the secretary in questioning and offered to follow up on the evidence.
Multiple senators asked the nominee to be willing to publicly disagree with political leaders when scientific evidence required it. Dr. Menares told the committee she is a scientist and an independent thinker and said she would share evidence‑based opinions with the secretary.
Senators also connected ACIP deliberations and potential changes in recommendations to downstream effects: they warned that removing routine recommendations risks placing the cost of vaccines on families and could lower uptake, contributing to outbreaks.
Dr. Menares affirmed that vaccines "absolutely save lives" and committed to prioritizing vaccine availability and transparent communications on benefits and risks if confirmed.
