President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that cuts the number of recommended childhood vaccines. The order, signed on Monday, limits the inoculation schedule to 11 immunizations and calls for spacing out the vaccines so children receive fewer at any given time.
The new policy marks a shift in federal vaccination guidance. Instead of following the current schedule, which involves multiple shots at various ages, the order directs a reduced schedule of 11 immunizations. It also emphasizes spacing out doses, meaning children may get one vaccine per visit rather than several at once.
The order was signed on August 10. Its full details have not been released, but the move is expected to affect federal recommendations for childhood vaccines. Medical experts are already weighing in. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder has explained what parents should know about the changes, though specifics of her guidance were not provided.
This is a significant step by the Trump administration in the area of public health. How the new schedule will be implemented, and how it will interact with state vaccination requirements, remains unclear.