Trump Order Endorses Plan to Halve Vaccines Recommended for Children

Why this matters: This executive order could significantly impact public health by altering the recommended vaccine schedule for children. The potential removal of several vaccines raises concerns among medical professionals and state officials about the risk of increased disease outbreaks and the overall health of children.

The executive order references an HHS assessment co-authored by Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, which compares the U.S. childhood immunization schedule with those of peer nations. The assessment suggests focusing on vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox).

The order directs the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to review the HHS assessment and clinical data to update the vaccine schedule for children and adolescents. The White House stated that the goal is to align the core childhood vaccine schedule with scientific evidence and best practices from peer, developed countries while preserving access to vaccines currently available to Americans.

However, critics argue that the assessment's focus on countries like Denmark is misleading, as Denmark has a small, homogenous population and universal healthcare, making it an unsuitable comparison for the U.S. health system. Additionally, the lawsuit from the 15 states highlights concerns that the changes lack scientific basis and could negatively impact children's health.

The current ACIP panel was chosen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, after he ousted all 17 members of the previous panel. Several of the newest members have questioned established medical research on vaccines.

Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, rotavirus, influenza, and Covid-19 could be removed.

Critics argue that the changes lack scientific basis, could lead to disease outbreaks, and are based on flawed comparisons with other countries.

Fifteen states are suing the HHS and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., arguing the changes will harm children and strain state resources.

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