Trump signs order to limit childhood vaccines and split MMR shots

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that proposes a reduction in the number of childhood vaccines from 18 to 11, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The order also includes the recommendation to administer the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in separate doses, rather than as a combined shot.

Trump, who has previously expressed concerns about the safety of MMR vaccines, stated that this approach would reduce the number of jabs children receive and the number of visits to the doctor's office. However, experts have criticized the order, stating that there is no scientific evidence supporting the separation of the MMR vaccine or that it would be less effective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asserts that the combined MMR vaccine is safe and that separating it into individual shots offers no benefits. The proposed changes have been met with strong opposition from medical professionals and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who emphasized that vaccines are safe, effective, and do not cause autism.

Cassidy urged parents to consult their child's pediatrician regarding vaccinations instead of heeding the executive order.