US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order seeking major changes to the country’s childhood vaccination recommendations, including a proposal to split the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate shots. The order follows his long-standing view that some vaccines should be given separately over different medical visits.The order, signed on August 10, calls for childhood vaccines to be administered at separate medical visits whenever possible and narrows the federal recommendations to vaccines against 11 core diseases. It also directs federal health agencies to develop a plan for separate measles, mumps and rubella vaccines, which are currently not available as individual shots in the US. Trump described the move as establishing “gold-standard” childhood vaccine recommendations and repeatedly raised the topic of vaccine and autism during the signing ceremony.However, medical experts and lawmakers have opposed the move, saying that the proposed changes are not supported by new scientific evidence.Why Does Trump Want To Split The MMR Vaccine?The MMR vaccine currently protects children against three diseases with a combination shot. Under existing CDC guidance, children receive two doses, generally at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years.The CDC says two doses of measles-containing vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have repeatedly questioned whether vaccines could contribute to autism. But decades of research have found no causal link between childhood vaccines and autism. He recently increased pressure on Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to identify the cause of autism, something Kennedy had pledged to do with new research unveiled last year. At a Cabinet meeting last month, Trump asked, "How are you doing on the autism research?" Kennedy replied, "We will have an answer for you."Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the announcement could create unnecessary uncertainty for families.“Science about vaccines and their efficacy has not changed,” Racine said.Also read: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Plans To Freeze Eggs As She Eyes 2028 US Presidential RunThe Problem With Three Separate ShotsOne of the biggest hurdles in implementing tis proposal is that individual measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are not currently available in the US.Dr. Elizabeth Mack, a pediatric critical care physician, questioned how such a system would work.“We don't have a system that supports this,” she said, raising questions about additional appointments and insurance coverage. Merck, which manufactures the MMR vaccine, also said there is no published scientific evidence showing a benefit from splitting the combination vaccine. More injections and additional appointments could instead increase the chances of delayed or missed vaccinations. Also read: Dr. Erica Schwartz Confirmed As CDC’s First Permanent Director In Nearly A YearHow Will This Impact Children? Doctors are particularly concerned about separating the vaccines and keeping them too far apart. When children need multiple visits to receive protection against different diseases, there can be longer periods during which they remain unprotected. Public health experts warn this could become especially problematic during outbreaks of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. The order also seeks to encourage states to reconsider vaccination requirements for schoolchildren, although states retain authority over school vaccine schedules. The latest order follows earlier efforts by the Trump administration to overhaul the federal childhood vaccine schedule. In January, Kennedy’s Health and Human Services Department attempted to remove several vaccines from routine childhood recommendations. That move was challenged in court and blocked by a federal judge. The new executive order seeks to reinforce the administration’s approach while that legal battle continues. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and chairman of the Senate health committee, also criticised the latest move. “I’m a doctor. This executive order is wrong,” Cassidy said. “The President does not have the expertise to make these changes.”