Doctors Warn Trump Vaccine Order Endangers Kids as 1 in 31 U.S. Children Have Autism
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 12
Doctors Warn Trump Vaccine Order Endangers Kids as 1 in 31 U.S. Children Have Autism
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 12
Summary
Doctors said Trump’s vaccine order would sow fear and confusion just as children return to school, arguing it could deepen hesitancy during the biggest U.S. measles outbreak in more than 30 years.
The order pushes separate measles, mumps and rubella shots and more spaced-out childhood vaccinations, but pediatricians said no standalone MMR vaccines exist for U.S. children and that combined shots produce a better immune response.
Physicians also condemned Trump’s renewed suggestion that vaccine timing or volume may contribute to autism, citing dozens of studies worldwide that found no link; the latest estimate says 1 in 31 U.S. children have autism spectrum disorder.
The dispute adds to competing federal guidance after Kennedy’s health department fired a 17-member advisory panel and backed a narrower schedule covering 11 diseases, while pediatricians still recommend protection against 18 diseases.
Doctors said insurance coverage should largely remain in place through 2027, but warned conflicting official messages could still push more families to delay or skip shots as kindergarten vaccination rates fall and exemptions hit a record in 2024-25.