Trump signs executive order to separate MMR vaccine amid measles crisis
The directive mandates splitting the combined measles, mumps and rubella shot into single-disease injections and advises states to review school enrollment requirements, though experts warn the move lacks scientific basis and may increase vaccine hesitancy.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday seeking to fundamentally restructure childhood vaccination policy, calling for fewer recommended immunisations and increased spacing between shots. The directive mandates that the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine be separated into three single-disease injections and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to make these separate vaccines available in the United States.
The order also advises states and territories to review school enrollment vaccine requirements. However, the directive notes that Washington cannot directly determine most school mandates, which are largely set by individual states, rendering the federal advice on this front primarily recommendatory. Trump described the move as a "major victory for parents rights, religious and constitutional rights, and for the gold standard science."
The policy shift aligns with the agenda of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who had previously attempted to remove six vaccines from the childhood schedule in January. That attempt was blocked by a federal judge while legal proceedings continued. Monday’s order reaffirms much of that proposed overhaul, despite strong opposition from the medical community. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and former chairman of the Senate health committee, condemned the order, citing a lack of scientific evidence and potential delays in protection.
Medical experts argue that current vaccination schedules are based on extensive research into the safe administration of combined vaccines. They warn that spreading shots across more appointments can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases for longer and increase the risk that later doses are delayed or missed. Vaccine maker Merck stated there was no published scientific evidence showing any benefit from splitting the MMR vaccine, while Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, estimated that developing and approving separate vaccines in the US could take more than a decade.
The directive comes as the US experiences its worst measles outbreak in 35 years. During an Oval Office address, Trump repeatedly suggested that the number or timing of childhood vaccines could be linked to rising rates of autism spectrum disorder, a claim repeatedly debunked by scientific research. New York City Health Commissioner Alister Martin said the order was based "in politics and conspiracy theories," while Senator Cassidy stated that splitting combination vaccines would mean children have to get more shots to get the same protection.
