The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) strongly opposes President Trump’s executive order calling for changes to the childhood vaccine schedule without evidence to support the policy shift. For decades, the FDA has thoroughly reviewed scientific evidence to establish the safety and effectiveness of vaccines approved in the U.S. Further the CDC and independent experts on the agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices studied the data to make recommendations about immunization administration and scheduling to maximize the benefits of vaccines.

The administration’s arbitrary recommendations to separate the highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual vaccines and administer immunizations separately at multiple visits are not supported by established scientific evidence and could leave children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases while waiting to complete the recommended immunizations and doses. Spreading vaccinations across multiple visits could create burdens for parents and caregivers who may be unable to take time off work for repeated appointments. It could also place further strain on an already overwhelmed health care system, making it more difficult for patients to receive timely care.

As experts in pediatrics and advocates for children, NAPNAP supports evidence-based efforts to have every infant, child, adolescent, and adult receive all age-appropriate immunizations as published by the CDC in November 2024 and reinforced by the American Academy of Pediatrics in January 2026. Immunizations have prevented more than 150 million deaths worldwide during the past 50 years, demonstrating their extraordinary impact on public health in the U.S. and around the world. Decisions about when and how vaccines are administered must remain grounded in rigorous scientific research and expert review. NAPNAP will continue to advocate for evidence-based immunization policies that protect children, families and communities.

 

Aug. 10, 2026