A new debate over childhood vaccinations is emerging after President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing a major overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule. The administration has argued that some childhood vaccines cause more harm than good, a position critics say is not supported by scientific evidence.

Local Impact

In Pennsylvania, where a growing measles outbreak has been reported, pediatrician Dr. Elana McDonald said the executive order does not immediately change vaccination practices, but could influence future discussions about vaccine recommendations. More than 230 measles cases have been reported in the state this year, including 57 reported in the last seven days.

McDonald expressed concern that separating combination vaccines could make it more difficult for patients to complete their recommended immunizations. She also warned that the order could create uncertainty about vaccine safety and contribute to lower vaccination rates.

National Implications

The executive order recommends that children be vaccinated against 11 diseases rather than the 18 currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The order also calls for separating the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR, into three individual shots administered during three separate appointments.

Experts have expressed concern that changes to vaccination recommendations could weaken herd immunity and affect insurance coverage for vaccines. McDonald emphasized that declining vaccination rates could threaten progress made in controlling measles, saying, ‘We’re now in jeopardy of losing our eradication distinction for measles. So, we know vaccines work, we know that they are safe,’

Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.