{
  "id": 533625,
  "title": "Trump pushes overhaul of US policy on vaccines for children",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/trump-pushes-overhaul-of-us-policy-on-vaccines-for-children",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-11T01:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Deutsche Welle Science",
    "slug": "deutsche-welle-science",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/trump-pushes-overhaul-of-us-policy-on-vaccines-for-children/a-78313546?maca=en-rss-en-science-4552-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that aims to overhaul the US childhood vaccine policy. The order proposes fewer recommended immunizations, more separate appointments for children to receive their vaccines, and the potential use of single-dose vaccines. Trump emphasized this as a victory for parental rights, religious beliefs, and constitutional rights, as well as a commitment to scientific standards. The federal government will support 11 core childhood vaccinations, while states and territories are advised to review school enrollment vaccine requirements. However, these requirements largely rest with individual states. The order also directs the Health and Human Services Department to improve vaccine research and develop a plan for more separate measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines in the US, though such vaccines are not currently licensed. Health experts caution that spreading vaccinations across more appointments could leave children vulnerable to diseases for longer periods and increase the risk of delayed or missed later doses. Merck, a vaccine manufacturer, stated that there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of separating the MMR vaccine. Some, like Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, have criticized the move, arguing that the president lacks the expertise to make such changes and that it will mean children need more shots to achieve the same protection. The order comes amid the worst measles outbreak in 35 years and as children prepare to return to school. Critics accuse Kennedy, the health secretary nominee, of contributing to vaccine hesitancy with years of questioning established immunizations.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Trump pushes overhaul of US policy on vaccines for children",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/trump-pushes-overhaul-of-us-policy-on-vaccines-for-children-534345",
        "published": "2026-08-11T01:16:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}