WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday calling for a reduction in the number of childhood vaccines recommended under the federal immunization schedule, limiting routine recommendations to 11 core vaccinations.
Trump said the revised approach would provide “gold-standard” protection and bring the United States closer to peer countries that recommend fewer vaccinations. The order also recommends separating the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three individual shots given at separate visits.
The move builds on an overhaul pursued by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that reduced the U.S. schedule from vaccines against 17 diseases. That earlier change was halted by a federal court, and Trump’s new order says it reaffirms the administration’s approach while litigation continues.
The order also directs the Justice Department to challenge state vaccination laws that the administration says conflict with parental authority, religious freedom, disability accommodations and equal protection.
Medical associations, public health experts and vaccine manufacturers criticized the changes. Dr. Aaron Milstone of the American Academy of Pediatrics said conflicting recommendations could confuse parents and lead to delays in vaccination. Merck said there was no published scientific evidence showing a benefit from splitting the MMR vaccine.
The World Health Organization said its immunization recommendations are based on more than six decades of research and are developed with national health authorities and independent expert groups.
Existing coverage through the federal Vaccines for Children program will continue, a senior administration official said. The practical implementation of the new recommendations and their effect on state vaccination requirements remain subject to ongoing legal and policy developments.
