Trump issues executive order to reduce and space out childhood vaccinations

President Donald Trump issued an executive order that proposes a reduction in the number of recommended childhood vaccinations and calls for increased intervals between individual immunizations. The directive seeks to amend the current vaccination schedule endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends a series of shots beginning at birth and continuing through adolescence to protect against diseases such as measles, polio, and whooping cough.

Medical professionals and public‑health organizations have responded that the proposed changes are not supported by existing scientific evidence and could diminish herd immunity. Experts note that the established schedule is based on extensive research demonstrating optimal timing for efficacy and safety, and that extending intervals or eliminating doses may increase the risk of vaccine‑preventable illnesses among children. The administration has indicated that the order will be reviewed by relevant agencies before any implementation.