President Trump was scheduled to sign an executive order on a Monday to establish new recommendations for childhood vaccinations, according to sources familiar with the matter. A draft of the order obtained by CBS News directs the Department of Health and Human Services to reassess the sequencing and timing of vaccines within 90 days. The document specifies that a more limited number of vaccines should be recommended for children than under current federal guidelines.
The executive action follows a period of disagreement between federal agencies and medical organizations regarding immunization schedules. In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended reducing vaccinations for 11 diseases. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics maintained its recommendation for 18 diseases. In March, a federal judge blocked portions of the CDC's proposed changes, leading the administration to seek alternative measures through this executive order.
According to the draft, the administration aims to encourage single-dose vaccines over combination shots, stating that childhood immunizations should be administered at separate medical visits whenever feasible. As an example, the order suggests breaking the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate injections. Additionally, vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B would be categorized as necessary only for children deemed to be at high risk.
The scale of the shift is defined by the administration’s proposal to move from 18 recommended disease vaccinations down toward the 11-disease threshold previously suggested by the CDC. This change occurs as many states prepare for the start of the school year, which typically requires proof of immunization for enrollment. Parents and students may face immediate changes in school entry requirements depending on how state health departments incorporate the new federal recommendations. The order also shifts vaccines for RSV and hepatitis A and B to a "high-risk" only category, which may change which children are eligible for these shots under standard insurance coverage or federal benefit programs.
The order sets a precedent by using executive authority to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—the cabinet-level department overseeing federal health agencies—to reevaluate established medical schedules based on "best practices" from other nations and protections for religious liberty. The knock-on effects could involve significant administrative burdens for state health offices and pediatric clinics that must update their records and billing systems. Following the signing, HHS has 90 days to complete its reassessment of vaccine timing. Further litigation is possible, as the draft order itself notes that previous attempts to change the schedule were delayed by court rulings.