Trump pushes overhaul of US policy on vaccines for children
In an executive order, President Trump calls for fewer recommended childhood vaccinations and more spacing between shots. Medical experts say the changes lack scientific backing and could leave children less protected.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Monday proposing significant changes to the United States' childhood vaccine policy. The administration seeks to reduce the number of recommended immunizations, separate vaccinations into individual appointments and encourage administering shots at different medical visits. Trump framed the move as a victory for parental rights, religious liberties and scientific principles.
The order maintains the federal government's support for 11 core childhood vaccines but leaves most school vaccine requirements to individual states. The Health and Human Services Department will be tasked with enhancing vaccine research and developing a strategy for introducing single-antigen measles, mumps and rubella vaccines, which are not currently licensed in the US.
Health officials argue that spreading shots across multiple appointments could leave children unprotected against preventable diseases and delay the efficacy of later doses. Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and Senator Bill Cassidy, argue that the order lacks scientific backing and could increase autism risk.
The policy shift coincides with the nation's worst measles outbreak in 35 years and as children return to schools.
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