The White House published an Executive Order (EO) on August 10 from President Trump regarding childhood vaccine recommendations in the U.S.

The EO began with a mention of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recent scientific analysis of what vaccines other countries are recommending for children. Trump noted that per the analysis, the U.S. “currently recommends more childhood vaccines than any peer nation, including more than twice as many vaccine doses as some European nations.” Additionally, U.S. states set their own childhood vaccination requirements, while other countries from the assessment leave vaccination to choice based on public trust and education.

Trump continued by emphasizing that core childhood vaccine recommendations will align with “scientific evidence and best practices from peer, developed countries while preserving access to vaccines currently available to Americans.” Also, the Administration will ensure that “Federal programs and funding should support maximal parental choice over childhood vaccines, consistent with the Federal Government’s constitutional and statutory obligations and the fundamental principles of personal autonomy and informed consent.”

The EO also announced Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations based on three categories: immunizations recommended for all children, immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations, and immunizations based on shared clinical decision-making.

Vaccines recommended for all children include:

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), through three doses (one disease per shot)
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis
• Polio
• Haemophilus influenzae type B
• Pneumococcal disease
• Human papillomavirus
• Varicella

The EO recommends that children receive their vaccines at separate medical visits. The Administration is also asking for executive departments and agencies and states/territories to review the full Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations. More information can be found in the EO.