Trump order breaks up MMR vaccine, defies CDC.

Donald Trump has signed an executive order pushing major changes to the childhood vaccination schedule, directly challenging the authority of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The order recommends that measles, mumps, and rubella shots be given at separate visits, rather than in the combined MMR vaccine. The CDC currently recommends the combined shot, which is cheaper and requires fewer doctor visits. This move attempts to override the CDC’s role as the federal agency responsible for vaccine recommendations. The White House does not have that authority. The order also aims to support earlier changes to CDC vaccination guidelines made this year, which were blocked by a federal judge.