President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to change childhood vaccine recommendations, including urging that the measles, mumps and rubella combination shot be split into three separate vaccines given at different visits.[1][2][6]
Trump said before signing the order that it was part of what he called the “gold standard” for vaccine guidance and raised autism concerns, even though decades of research involving millions of people have not found an established link between vaccines and autism.[2][11]
The move drew immediate criticism from medical experts and lawmakers. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and physician, said the order was wrong and called vaccines overwhelmingly safe and effective, while the American Academy of Pediatrics said separating the combination vaccine could take as long as 10 years.[1][2]
The order does not appear to change vaccine practice immediately. It directs federal agencies to produce reports within 90 days, rather than taking effect right away, and came as officials also moved to narrow the number of diseases for which all children are routinely recommended to receive vaccines.[1][2]
