President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday calling for revamped childhood vaccine recommendations, promoting his long-held theory that childhood shots should be spaced out into separate medical visits. The order advocates separating the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three different single-disease shots and administering all childhood immunizations at separate appointments whenever possible.

Concerns Among Health Experts

Public health experts have raised concerns that spacing out shots as Trump suggests can lead to an increased risk that children become infected with a vaccine-preventable disease before returning for another visit. Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, disputed Trump’s recommendations, stating that science about vaccines and their efficacy has not changed.

The order also includes several changes to the childhood vaccine schedule that the health department has already attempted, but that have been blocked by a federal judge. The move has sparked debate among health experts, with some arguing that the changes could lead to increased vaccine hesitancy and decreased vaccination rates.

Parental Rights and Constitutional Concerns

Trump called the announcement a ‘major victory for parents’ rights, religious and constitutional rights, and for the gold standard science.’ The order has been met with criticism from some lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Cassidy, who slammed the executive order, stating that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.

The issue has also raised concerns about parental rights and constitutional liberties. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the executive order will impact childhood vaccine recommendations and parental choices.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.