U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 10 providing for a reduction in the number of recommended childhood vaccinations in the United States to 11 core vaccines. Reuters reports, UNN writes.
Details
The document also recommends splitting the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into three separate injections and administering them during different medical checkups.
In January, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had already reduced the national vaccination schedule, removing vaccinations against six of 17 diseases.
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However, this decision was suspended by a federal court. Trump’s new order provides that the federal government will support recommendations for only 11 vaccinations.
Criticism of the decision
The American Academy of Pediatrics and vaccine manufacturer Merck criticized the order. Public health experts emphasize that the current vaccination schedule is based on decades of research, and reducing the list of recommended vaccinations could leave more children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
My administration will immediately recognize the gold standard for childhood vaccination recommendations only for 11 core vaccinations against the most serious and dangerous diseases, as well as for MMR, which we hope will be separated
In January, the United States also rescinded a longstanding recommendation to vaccinate all children against influenza and three other diseases. Trump’s executive order states that it confirms the changes introduced by Kennedy, despite the ongoing legal proceedings.