Trump signs order to rethink school vaccine mandates and split MMR vaccine

Washington — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing federal agencies to reevaluate existing school vaccine requirements and to consider separating the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization into three distinct shots. The order calls for a review of the scientific data supporting the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine and tasks the Department of Health and Human Services with developing recommendations for potential policy changes. The move comes as the United States confronts its most severe measles outbreak in decades, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting over 1,200 confirmed cases across 30 states since the start of the year.

Health officials and medical experts have reiterated that the combined MMR vaccine has been extensively studied and is regarded as safe and effective in preventing three highly contagious diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC have warned that fragmenting the vaccine could undermine herd immunity and complicate vaccination schedules, potentially exacerbating the current outbreak. The administration’s directive signals a shift in federal stance on school immunization policies, but officials indicated that any changes would require further scientific review and coordination with state health departments before implementation.