FDA Nominee Overton Contradicts Trump on MMR Vaccine Safety
At her Senate confirmation hearing, Heidi Overton said the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, breaking with Trump's earlier claim that it is 'quite lethal.'
Heidi Overton, President Trump's nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration, told the Senate health committee on Thursday that the MMR vaccine is not lethal and is safe and effective. Her statement came in response to a question about the vaccine's safety, according to arstechnica.com.
Overton's position contrasts with remarks Trump made at an August press conference, where he called the MMR vaccine 'quite lethal' and claimed that vaccine doses for infants are 'like the size of a soda bottle.' He also called for the MMR vaccine to be split into three separate immunizations, though no such individual immunizations are available in the US.
Overton, a physician with a doctoral degree in clinical investigation, currently serves as deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy and previously worked at a conservative think tank. She has taken a clear stance opposing abortion, and the FDA is currently reviewing the safety of the abortion pill mifepristone.
During the hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan asked Overton if it is possible for the president to ever be wrong. Overton did not directly answer the question.
Quick answers
What did Heidi Overton say about the MMR vaccine?
At her Senate confirmation hearing, Overton said the MMR vaccine is not lethal and is safe and effective.
What did Trump say about the MMR vaccine?
At an August press conference, Trump called the MMR vaccine 'quite lethal' and claimed infant doses are 'like the size of a soda bottle.' He also called for it to be split into three separate immunizations.
Did Overton answer Senator Hassan's question about the president being wrong?
No, Overton did not directly answer whether it is possible for the president to ever be wrong.