Trump’s CDC Nominee Praises Vaccines, Without Vowing Independence From Kennedy By Rachel Spears Photos by Eric Harkleroad July 16, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/cdc-director-nominee-erica-schwartz-confirmation-hearing-vaccines-rfk-kennedy/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9CxDbWdid-dsXhdL2Ju6dZlRadtagstI8-xy66_ZPQeFhwMiLPIS_cdL4PqiG39c0Cz-iL4ncIxiz0abUuOR6XkCKxXw&_hsmi=428865279&utm_content=428865279&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: Trump’s CDC Nominee Praises Vaccines, Without Vowing Independence From Kennedy Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, expressed support for vaccines — including mRNA-based covid shots — in a Senate hearing on Wednesday, though she didn’t dispel concerns the agency has lost any independence from the White House. “I have been vaccinating people throughout my entire career in uniformed services. I believe in vaccines,” Schwartz said at the hearing. “I do believe that mRNA technology is safe and effective.” (Spears, 7/16)