US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling for fewer recommended childhood vaccines and separate measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump described the order as a “major victory for parents’ rights, religious and constitutional rights, and for gold-standard science.” Under the order, the number of recommended childhood vaccines will drop to 11 from the 18 currently recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In a statement, the AAP called the order “dangerous,” adding that "federal leaders are once again spreading misleading claims.” The order comes after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed vaccines against six of 17 diseases from the routine schedule in January, a move that was blocked by a federal court. The order also recommends separating the childhood MMR vaccine into three shots and administering them at separate medical visits. The order reflects the president’s long-held skepticism about childhood vaccines and claims they can cause autism, despite multiple studies finding no link. The federal government does not have direct control over immunization mandates, as individual states have the authority to require vaccinations for students attending school. In cases such as these, Trump’s move serves more as guidance than an order. The administration has said “states and territories are advised to review” their vaccination requirements.
Trump's frustration that his administration was not doing enough to address what he considers a likely contributor to autism drove an executive order that reduced the number of childhood vaccinations.
