President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday calling for a review of school vaccine requirements and the separation of the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate shots. The order comes as the United States faces its worst measles outbreak in decades.
Doctors and other experts say splitting the MMR vaccine has no scientific basis and is unlikely to happen. They also warn that such a move would carry consequences. The safety of the MMR vaccine is supported by scientific evidence.
The executive order directs a rethink of vaccine mandates in schools. Experts point out that the current combined vaccine is safe and effective, and there is no medical reason to separate it into individual vaccines.