A moment of disagreement over vaccines put Donald Trump's own FDA nominee in the spotlight after Dr Heidi Overton directly rejected his claim that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine could be 'quite lethal'.

During a tense Senate confirmation hearing on September 24, Overton said the MMR vaccine is safe, effective and the best available tool in the public health response to measles, creating a striking contrast with the president's recent comments as cases continue to rise across the US.

Overton Directly Defends the MMR Vaccine

The exchange came during questioning from Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and physician who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Cassidy asked Overton about the MMR vaccine after Trump had suggested that the combined vaccine could be dangerous and had promoted giving its components separately.

Overton was clear in her response.

'The MMR vaccine is not lethal,' she told senators.

She went further, saying the vaccine is licensed and approved by the FDA, is safe and effective, and remains the agency's 'best tool right now in the public health response to the measles outbreak'. She also cited an effectiveness rate of about 97% at preventing transmission after two doses.

When Cassidy asked if any vaccines currently available in the US were unsafe, Overton gave another sweeping answer.

'Every vaccine on the US market right now are safe and effective according to the FDA,' she said.

Her Comments Contrast With Trump's Vaccine Push

Overton's testimony was notable because she had been present when Trump announced an executive order aimed at changing how childhood vaccines are administered.

The order promotes separating combination vaccines, including MMR, into individual components and giving them at different medical visits. Medical groups and vaccine experts have criticised the approach, arguing that adding appointments and injections could make vaccination more difficult and reduce uptake.

Trump has also publicly questioned the safety of the MMR vaccine. Reuters reported that Cassidy pressed Overton specifically because she had stood beside the president when he described the vaccine as potentially dangerous.

Rather than repeat that claim, Overton said the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. She also said parents should have an additional option, rather than suggesting the combined vaccine should be removed.

The exchange comes as the US faces its worst measles situation in decades, with declining vaccination rates adding pressure on public health authorities.

Read more

Overton Says Science Would Guide FDA Decisions

The hearing also tested how Overton would handle disagreements with Trump if she becomes FDA commissioner.

Cassidy asked what she would do if the president instructed her to take an action that conflicted with scientific evidence.

Overton said she would give Trump her best advice but would ultimately follow the statutory requirements governing the FDA's decisions on the safety and effectiveness of individual products.

'That would be what would guide every decision if confirmed to this role,' she said.

Her answer offered a glimpse into the balancing act she could face if confirmed. The FDA regulates medicines, vaccines, medical devices, tobacco products and much of the US food supply, making scientific decisions at the agency potentially significant for millions of people.

Mifepristone and Vaping Also Face Questions

Vaccines were not the only medical issue to dominate the hearing. Senators also questioned Overton about mifepristone, the abortion medication currently undergoing an FDA safety review.

Overton declined to prejudge the review, saying she expected mifepristone would be among the issues immediately on her desk if confirmed. She also faced questions about intrauterine devices and whether she would support changes to FDA decisions concerning reproductive medicines.

Her record on abortion has already attracted scrutiny. While working at the America First Policy Institute, she praised the US Supreme Court's 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and previously wrote about medication abortion in strongly critical terms.

She was also questioned about flavoured vaping products. Overton defended the role of FDA scientists in approving certain products, saying some adults use flavours while trying to stop smoking.

Read more