WHO pushes back after Trump orders reduced vaccine schedule
FILE-President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the NATO Summit at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye, on July 8, 2026. (Photo by Klaudia Radecka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The World Health Organization is defending its approach to determining childhood immunization schedules following President Donald Trump signing an executive order on Monday to lower the number of recommended childhood vaccines.
Reuters reported that Trump’s order received criticism from medical associations, public health experts and vaccine makers, who explain that there is no new scientific evidence to rationalize the changes to the vaccine schedule and that the current schedule in the United States reflects evidence and the health needs of Americans.
Trump executive order on vaccines
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President Donald Trump’s order calls for a reduced childhood vaccination schedule of 11 immunizations, claiming this action would offer children more protection and bring the United States closer to other foreign countries that recommend fewer vaccinations.
Trump’s executive order also calls for separating the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three individual injections.
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According to Reuters, vaccine manufacturer Merck stated there is no published scientific evidence illustrating a benefit from dividing the shot and warned that requiring separate visits may raise the risk of delayed or missed vaccinations.
Doctors warn that lowering the number of recommended vaccinations might leave more children susceptible to preventable diseases, creating confusion for parents about when kids should be vaccinated.
Reuters reported that the executive order elevates a goal of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who has expressed skepticism regarding vaccine safety and lauded accusations connecting vaccines to autism despite scientific research and studies refuting his premise.
Last year, Trump connected autism to childhood vaccines and to the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, bringing accusations unsupported by scientific research and evidence.
In March 2026, a federal judge blocked key parts of Kennedy's efforts to rewrite the nation’s vaccine policy and revamp a national advisory panel on immunizations, Reuters reported.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by Reuters and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.