Kathmandu— US President Donald Trump announced changes to childhood vaccine recommendations on Monday, signing an executive order that recognizes 11 core vaccinations against serious diseases as the “Gold Standard.” The administration stated it will prioritize these vaccines while strengthening safety monitoring, research, and parental choice in healthcare decisions. Trump noted the US previously recommended more doses than peer nations, sometimes up to 72, and this move aims to reduce that number and empower parents. Health officials will administer the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as three separate vaccinations at different times.

Reducing Vaccine Schedules

President Trump stated that the US had previously recommended a higher number of childhood vaccines compared to other countries. He explained his administration would now recognize recommendations for only 11 core vaccinations against the most serious and dangerous diseases, in addition to the MMR vaccine. “No parent should feel the pressure of immediately after their child is born, and a bunch of vaccines are pressured and pushed upon them,” Trump said during the signing ceremony. “This is about freedom at the end of the day.”

Emphasis on Parental Choice and Safety

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr affirmed that access to vaccines would be preserved while simultaneously strengthening safety monitoring, research, and parental choice. According to Kennedy Jr., the administration will work to “restore informed consent and parental choice to their rightful place in American medicine.” National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya echoed this sentiment, stating the move would restore autonomy for families and parents in making decisions about their children’s health.

Measles Risk and Vaccination

The announcement comes as measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, continues to pose a risk, particularly to unvaccinated individuals. Health authorities report that up to nine out of ten unvaccinated people exposed to the virus can become infected. While most cases resolve within weeks, serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term neurological issues are possible, especially in young children. The MMR vaccine is considered the only effective prevention against measles, with recommended doses before 15 months and again before age six.

The executive order signals a shift in US vaccination policy towards prioritizing core vaccines and empowering parents to make informed decisions alongside their doctors.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.