Trump-Backed Plan to Split MMR Vaccine Gains Support from Experts
Experts argue that splitting the MMR vaccine into separate shots could reduce inflammation in children and provide parents with more options for vaccinating their kids. Dr. Michael Segal, a neurologist, points out that administering multiple inflammatory vaccines at once can increase the risk of adverse events. He suggests that providing standalone vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella could help lower this risk.
President Donald Trump's executive order in August recommended spacing out vaccinations, which could be achieved by splitting the MMR vaccine into separate shots. Manufacturers Merck and GlaxoSmithKline have defended the combination vaccine as safe and effective, but several experts disagree.
According to Dr. Monique Yohanan, director of the Independent Women's Forum's Center of Better Health, providing standalone vaccines could increase vaccination rates for all three diseases. She notes that vaccination rates have declined since 2020, partly due to a loss of trust among parents.