Casey Means, President Trump's pick for Surgeon General, faced tough questions during her confirmation hearing regarding her stance on vaccinations, including the crucial flu shot. Her apparent unwillingness to offer full-throated support for vaccines raises serious concerns about the direction of public health policy under her leadership.

Progressive voices worry that a Surgeon General who equivocates on the importance of vaccines could undermine efforts to promote public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Access to accurate information and life-saving preventative care like vaccinations is a matter of social justice, and any reluctance to champion these tools can disproportionately harm marginalized communities.

Further complicating matters, Means was also questioned about her lack of an active medical license. This raises doubts about her qualifications to lead the nation's public health efforts and highlights the potential influence of political considerations over scientific expertise in the nomination process. The American public deserves a Surgeon General with unimpeachable credentials and a proven commitment to evidence-based medicine.

The hearing underscores the importance of rigorous scrutiny of political appointees, especially in roles with profound implications for public health. Senators must prioritize the well-being of all Americans by ensuring that the next Surgeon General is a staunch advocate for science, equity, and preventative care.