The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed serious concerns following the recent executive order by the United States administration to revise the childhood vaccination schedule.
Signed by President Donald Trump, the directive reduces the recommended routine immunisations for children from 18 to 11 and proposes separating the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three individual shots administered at different times.
WHO’s Position on Vaccine Safety and Scheduling
Dr. Tedros emphasised that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools to prevent deadly diseases and protect children’s health. He highlighted that the proposed changes do not align with decades of scientific evidence regarding the optimal timing, dosage, and combination of vaccines.
He stated, “Vaccines – including the MMR vaccine – are safe and do not cause autism. Delaying or separating doses unnecessarily does not enhance safety and may leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases.”
Policy and Scientific Guidance
- The US administration's policy aims to increase parental choice and accommodate religious and disability-related exemptions.
- WHO advises that vaccination schedules should be based on rigorous, independent scientific reviews rather than political considerations.
- Global evidence and WHO recommendations guide national experts in determining vaccination practices suited to their countries.
Dr. Tedros called for continued reliance on transparent and evidence-based decision-making to maintain public trust and ensure effective immunisation coverage worldwide.
