Trump Order Narrows Childhood Vaccine Schedule
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday directing the federal government to support a reduced childhood vaccination schedule covering 11 immunizations. The administration says the change will provide protection while bringing recommendations closer to those of peer countries.
The order also recommends replacing the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine with three separate shots administered during different medical visits. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously sought to narrow federal vaccine recommendations, citing concerns that include an alleged connection between vaccines and autism. Large scientific studies have not supported that claim.
Public health specialists argue that the existing U.S. schedule was developed from decades of evidence and reflects the country’s disease risks. They warn that removing recommendations could reduce vaccination coverage and leave more children susceptible to preventable illnesses, particularly in communities already facing barriers to medical care.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and vaccine manufacturer Merck criticized the decision. Merck said there is no published evidence that separating the MMR vaccine improves outcomes. Critics also noted that individual components could increase visits and shots, raising the risk of delayed or missed doses.
Dr. Elizabeth Mack, a pediatric critical care physician in South Carolina, said single-antigen measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are not currently licensed in the United States, making that part of the order difficult to implement. She also questioned whether families would face additional appointments and whether insurers would cover them.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician and Senate health committee chair, opposed the order, saying vaccine policy should be guided by medical expertise. He argued that separating combination vaccines would require more injections to achieve the same protection.
The order follows Kennedy’s earlier attempt to remove recommendations for six of 17 diseases, which was halted by a federal court. It reaffirms the administration’s approach while litigation continues. Effects remain uncertain.