The World Health Organisation has reaffirmed its childhood immunisation recommendations following a US government review initiated by President Donald Trump, who aims to realign America’s vaccine timetable with practices in peer-developed countries.
The World Health Organisation has defended its childhood immunisation guidance after Donald Trump ordered a review of the United States vaccination timetable, including a move to space out the measles, mumps and rubella jab into separate visits.
Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said the agency’s recommendations are grounded in years of global research on immune development, disease vulnerability and the durability of protection. He said the advice is intended for all countries and is meant to reflect the best scientific evidence available, while acknowledging that medical science continues to evolve.
Trump signed the order on Monday, saying his administration wanted childhood vaccine recommendations to align with what he called scientific evidence and best practice in peer developed countries while preserving access to vaccines now available to Americans. The White House said earlier this year that the move directs the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to compare U.S. policy with other wealthy nations and update the schedule accordingly.
The president also said he wanted the number of routine childhood vaccines reduced to 11 and argued that parents should have more flexibility over when their children receive shots. A White House fact sheet from May said the goal of the review was to align U.S. guidance with other developed countries. CDC guidance currently lists recommended vaccinations for children from birth through 18 years old, including protection against measles, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Hib, pneumococcal disease, HPV, varicella and other illnesses.
The change has already drawn criticism from medical groups. The American College of Physicians said in January that abandoning the evidence-based process was dangerous, arguing that vaccines prevent death, hospitalisation and the spread of disease. Trump’s order comes as children across the country prepare to return to school, where vaccination requirements often affect attendance at day care, schools and summer camps.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
