On August 10, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. The order suggests that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine be administered as three separate shots and encourages scheduling all childhood immunizations at different appointments. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to enhance research on vaccines and to develop a plan for offering separate MMR vaccines, which are not currently available in the U.S.
Public health experts have expressed concerns that spacing out vaccinations could increase the risk of children contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. Trump characterized the announcement as a significant win for parental rights and science. However, he has faced criticism from health professionals, including Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who stated that the science regarding vaccines has not changed and that the order creates unnecessary confusion.
Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate health committee, also criticized the executive order, asserting that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. The order advises states with school vaccination mandates to consider updating their laws in line with the new recommendations, although states hold the authority to require vaccinations for schoolchildren.
The executive order follows previous actions by the Trump administration regarding vaccine guidance, including a review of how other countries approach vaccine recommendations. Changes to federal vaccine recommendations typically require approval from the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public health law expert Lawrence Gostin noted that the Supreme Court's interpretation of presidential powers may allow Trump to override the CDC director if necessary.