Doctors criticize Trump’s childhood vaccine schedule changes as dangerous

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an order reshaping the childhood vaccine schedule, recommending that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine be administered in separate visits. The order introduced a new framework Trump described as the “gold standard” for childhood immunization and grouped vaccines by risk level. The American Academy of Pediatrics called the decision “disappointing and dangerous,” noting that measles cases in the United States have reached their highest level in 35 years. Academy President Dr. Andrew Racine said decades of studies covering millions of people have found no link between vaccines and autism, and that no scientific evidence supports the new recommendations. Trump also asserted a connection between vaccines and autism rates, claiming autism was lower during periods when children received fewer vaccines. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and physician, rejected the move as “wrong,” warning that splitting the vaccines would mean additional shots for children. The order and the medical community’s response set up a direct clash with pediatricians and public health experts, who argue that the combined MMR vaccine has a long-established safety record. No further details on implementation of the new framework were immediately available.