Story perspectives

Former Surgeon General Warns: Mistrust Fuels Vaccine Hesitancy

3/30/2026

Center

Adams Addresses Mistrust

Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, says America's primary health threat is mistrust, especially about vaccines.
He notes 70% of Americans support childhood vaccinations, but many distrust health information from some figures.
Adams criticizes the health infrastructure for fostering mistrust and links falling vaccination rates to rising measles cases.
He calls for social media regulation, citing addiction risk and proposing policies like Australia’s ban for under-16 users.

Left

Adams Challenges Nominee

Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, opposes Casey Means, the nominee of U.S. President Donald Trump to succeed him.
Adams previously supported President Donald Trump and served as Surgeon General during the pandemic.
His opposition signals concerns about health leadership's impact on public trust.
The stance marks a shift in Adams' views on U.S. health governance and could affect the nomination.

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Adams Addresses Mistrust

Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, says America's primary health threat is mistrust, especially about vaccines.
He notes 70% of Americans support childhood vaccinations, but many distrust health information from some figures.
Adams criticizes the health infrastructure for fostering mistrust and links falling vaccination rates to rising measles cases.
He calls for social media regulation, citing addiction risk and proposing policies like Australia’s ban for under-16 users.

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