President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that seeks to reduce the number of childhood vaccines recommended by the federal government. The order calls for lowering the number of recommended vaccines from 17 down to 11 and suggests that multi-disease vaccinations, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) shot, be administered as separate injections over several doctor visits rather than as a single dose.
The action follows a January attempt by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enact similar changes to the vaccine schedule, a move that was subsequently blocked by a federal judge in March 2026. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who appeared with the president during the signing, has previously questioned the safety and effectiveness of various childhood immunizations.
During the signing ceremony, President Trump stated that the body needs more time between doses to handle the fluids being administered. He also mentioned that vaccines should be studied in relation to autism rates. The order further directs the Justice Department to encourage states to reduce the number of vaccines required for children to attend school.
For families, the concrete change would involve an increase in the number of required doctor visits to complete a vaccination series if the multi-disease shots are broken up. Health officials, including Dr. Andrew Racine of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that the science regarding vaccine efficacy remains unchanged and that doctors are preparing for questions from concerned parents. The order also signals a shift in federal policy toward school mandates, as the Justice Department is now tasked with pressuring states to lower their immunization requirements for enrollment.
The move sets a precedent for executive intervention in the CDC’s established immunization schedules, though its legal standing remains uncertain. Previous attempts to implement these changes were halted by the courts, and legal challenges to this new order are expected. The immediate next steps involve potential court filings by opponents and the Justice Department’s outreach to state governments regarding school entry requirements. A specific date for the order's implementation or the outcome of expected litigation has not yet been reported.