Australian health experts fear US vaccine scepticism is catching on as ‘anything Trump says filters through’

President Donald Trump has ordered a reduction in childhood vaccines, alleging that they may contribute to an increase in autism cases. Health officials, including attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have been unable to provide evidence supporting this claim. The directive was issued just over three months before the midterm elections, potentially jeopardizing the president's chances.

This move has raised concerns among medical groups, doctors, and political analysts. The timing is particularly unfavorable for Republicans in swing districts. Trump's impatience for his Health Secretary to deliver on identifying a cause for the rise in autism diagnoses is evident. Kennedy, along with his allies, has been working on a secretive multi-million-dollar research mission but has failed to meet a deadline to present definitive answers.

The project is highly opaque and secretive, with no public updates or details about who is leading the effort. Kennedy's approach to autism research is often criticized as being highly isolated and influenced by anti-vaccine groups. Despite decades of research, Kennedy rejects the notion that genetics play a significant role and claims autism is a "preventable disease."

The Department of Health and Human Services stated that the president's action builds on reassessing the vaccine schedule but noted that no other country has taken similar actions.