Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Trump's nominee for health secretary, testified before Congress about his plans to reform health policy and clarified his stance on vaccines during the confirmation process.

Kennedy announced his intention to reform the panel responsible for determining which preventive health screenings insurance companies are required to cover. This panel's decisions affect coverage for routine medical services including mammograms and colonoscopies that millions of Americans rely on for early disease detection.

During the congressional hearing, Kennedy addressed his previous statements about vaccines, acknowledging that the measles vaccine is safe and effective "for most people." He also stated his agreement that receiving the measles vaccine is safer than contracting the disease itself. These comments represent a shift in tone from Kennedy's previous public statements that have been critical of vaccine policies.

Kennedy has previously advocated for rolling back certain longstanding vaccine policies, making his recent testimony noteworthy for its more measured approach to discussing vaccine safety and effectiveness.

The hearing comes as Kennedy seeks Senate confirmation for the health secretary position, where he would oversee major health agencies and policies affecting healthcare coverage and public health initiatives nationwide.