Klomp pledges aggressive measles response and defends MMR at confirmation hearing

During his confirmation hearing to be deputy secretary of health and human services, Chris Klomp endorsed the measles vaccine as the single most effective public health tool, called fighting the ongoing measles outbreak an absolute top priority, and sought to distance himself from vaccine controversies surrounding RFK Jr. and Donald Trump. He urged parents to discuss vaccines with their pediatricians, stressed that the Health Department strongly recommends vaccination, and said the department will continue to study vaccine safety and uphold rigorous scientific standards, including publishing results regardless of findings. He also noted Trump’s push to split MMR into separate shots was aimed at addressing safety concerns, and he asserted there is no fetal tissue in vaccines today.