US Executive Order proposes changes to childhood vaccine schedules

A federal executive order signed by President Donald Trump recommends changes to childhood vaccine schedules, shifting some vaccines from routine recommendations for all children to specific high-risk groups or shared decision-making. The order also favors administering vaccines during separate medical visits and calls for separating the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual shots.

Medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have criticized the move, stating the changes are not supported by scientific evidence. Experts note that individual MMR vaccines are not currently available in the U.S., and producing them could take years. Furthermore, separate immunizations would increase the number of injections and medical visits required for families.

In response to the federal order, New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington clarified that the state’s childhood vaccine requirements remain unchanged. He emphasized that the federal order does not affect New Jersey law and that the state will continue to follow established, science-based guidance to protect children from preventable diseases.