Story perspectives

Trump Signs Order Splitting MMR Vaccine Into Three Shots

8/24/2026

Summary

Trump Splits MMR

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order to split the MMR vaccine into three shots.
Trump claimed the combined MMR shot could be quite lethal, offering no evidence.
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz told CBS the combined MMR vaccine is not lethal.
CDC reported 2,777 measles cases and 36 outbreaks as of August 20, the highest in 35 years.
Merck said separate MMR components will not be available for at least 10 years.

Summary

Cassidy Criticizes Trump

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) called President Donald Trump’s lethal-vaccine claim “potentially tragic” on Aug. 16 during a CNN interview.
Oz said many states have not clarified the new guidance, making it harder for parents to ask vaccine questions.
Brennan noted separating MMR could stretch the schedule to a decade because three shots replace one.
The vaccine debate is becoming a focal point for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

History

Historical Context

Andrew Wakefield’s February 1998 Lancet paper claimed the MMR vaccine caused autism, leading UK health officials to suspend the jab and dropping coverage from 92% to under 80%. The study was retracted and Wakefield struck off the medical register in 2010, yet the myth endured. On 10 August 2026 President Donald Trump ordered MMR to be given as three separate shots, a move criticized by the CDC.

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Trump Splits MMR

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order to split the MMR vaccine into three shots.
Trump claimed the combined MMR shot could be quite lethal, offering no evidence.
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz told CBS the combined MMR vaccine is not lethal.
CDC reported 2,777 measles cases and 36 outbreaks as of August 20, the highest in 35 years.
Merck said separate MMR components will not be available for at least 10 years.

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