In brief
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 10, 2026, calling for a reduction in the number of core childhood vaccinations and proposing a new split schedule for the mumps‑measles‑rubella (MMR) shot. Trump argued that earlier generations received fewer vaccines and that autism rates were lower before widespread immunisation, a claim disputed by numerous studies. The order lists eleven core vaccines – including measles, MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, HPV, and varicella – but is unlikely to be enforceable as school‑attendance requirements are set at the state level. Critics warn that the move could erode herd immunity and encourage misinformed anti‑vaccination narratives. The order follows Trump’s long‑standing support for the controversial, discredited links between vaccines and autism.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 10, 2026, calling for a reduction in the number of core childhood vaccinations and proposing a new split schedule for the mumps‑measles‑rubella (MMR) shot.
Trump argued that earlier generations received fewer vaccines and that autism rates were lower before widespread immunisation, a claim disputed by numerous studies.
The order lists eleven core vaccines – including measles, MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, HPV, and varicella – but is unlikely to be enforceable as school‑attendance requirements are set at the state level.
Critics warn that the move could erode herd immunity and encourage misinformed anti‑vaccination narratives.
The order follows Trump’s long‑standing support for the controversial, discredited links between vaccines and autism.
