Trump pushes 11-vaccine plan and separate MMR shots, sparking health debate

President Trump signed an executive order calling for a reduced childhood vaccine schedule from 18 to 11 core vaccines and proposing the MMR vaccine be split into separate shots. He argues this would give parents more choice, but health experts say there is no evidence that separating MMR is beneficial and delaying vaccines risks outbreaks. The order seeks federal-level changes but actual vaccine requirements remain state-level; critics from the AAP and lawmakers warn the move could undermine herd immunity and public health, while the CDC notes no demonstrated benefit to dividing MMR.