Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Donald J. Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health, told senators at his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that studies had not shown a link between vaccines and autism, even as he urged more research on the question.
Dr. Bhattacharya’s view is a departure from the views of his future boss if he is confirmed, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly suggested a link between vaccines and autism.
Dr. Bhattacharya, a Stanford University health economist, faced intense questioning from the Republican chairman of the Senate health committee, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor and a fierce advocate for vaccination.
“I fully support children being vaccinated for diseases like measles,” Dr. Bhattacharya said. “As far as research on autism and vaccines, I don’t generally believe that there is a link, based on my reading of literature.”
But Dr. Bhattacharya also said the N.I.H. should nonetheless fund research on the issue to assuage nervous parents who might disagree with him — even though there are limited resources for federal research.
To that, a frustrated Mr. Cassidy shot back: “There’s people who disagree that the world is round. And I say that not to minimize these concerns, but people still think Elvis is alive.”