WHO Chief Challenges Trump Vaccine Policy
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has criticised President Donald Trump’s move to reshape US childhood vaccination policy, saying recommendations to separate vaccines and alter established schedules run against decades of scientific evidence.
WHO Chief Challenges Trump Vaccine Policy
Tedros said scientific evidence remains clear that vaccines, including the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, are safe and do not cause autism.
He argued that vaccination policy should be based on rigorous and independent scientific reviews rather than political considerations.
Tedros also warned that unnecessarily delaying vaccinations or separating doses could leave children without protection for longer periods.
Trump Calls for Separate MMR Vaccines
Trump signed an executive order on August 10 recommending that the combined MMR vaccine eventually be replaced by separate measles, mumps and rubella shots once single-disease products become domestically available.
The order also recommends, where feasible, administering childhood vaccinations during separate medical visits.
States and territories have been advised to review vaccination requirements, including rules connected with school attendance.
Evidence Finds No Vaccine-Autism Link
The debate has renewed attention on claims connecting vaccines with autism.
Extensive scientific reviews have repeatedly found no causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism. International expert assessments examining research from multiple countries have reaffirmed that conclusion.
The disagreement places the Trump administration’s changing vaccination policy at odds with longstanding international public-health recommendations.
