Trump signs executive order to split MMR vaccine and reduce U.S. childhood immunization schedule

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that calls for a reduced U.S. childhood vaccine schedule, lowering the number of universally recommended shots from 17 to 11.

The order directs that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine be administered as three separate injections once a domestic product is available, and it requires each childhood vaccine to be given at a distinct appointment. A Health and Human Services task force has 90 days to propose a revised schedule.

The administration offered no new scientific data to support the changes, stating only that the plan aligns the United States with other developed nations and with "common sense." Industry observers note that the move could disrupt vaccine supply chains and public-health planning.