Trump signs executive order splitting MMR vaccine into 3 shots

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order that says the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be split into three separate shots.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said children need two doses of the MMR vaccine. Usually, the first dose is taken at 12-15 months and the second is taken between ages 4-6.

Additionally, the CDC noted that a third MMR dose might be recommended for those in mumps outbreak situations.

The administration says separating the vaccines would give parents more flexibility.

"The Administration’s push to develop separate vaccinations for all three diseases will give parents more options on timing and frequency for their children, which ultimately will increase vaccination rates for all three diseases," a White House spokesperson said in a statement.

But local health officials say there is no evidence that separating the vaccines would provide a health benefit.

Dr. Ocaranza, El Paso's health authority, said splitting the vaccines could also create additional costs and logistical challenges for families.

"It's going to be quite expensive for the parents to come in and divide the shots into different versions," Ocaranza said.

He said because the vaccines contain live viruses, parents may have to wait at least a month between certain vaccinations if they are not administered at the same visit.

Ocaranza said parents should continue to discuss vaccination decisions with their doctors.

"Many people may feel that it is a myth. It is a scare tactic or it's simply another way for the government to control the way that we do things," Ocaranza said. "It is not. It is a prevention tool."

The administration's recommendations come as the debate over childhood vaccination policies continues, with supporters emphasizing parental choice and health officials stressing the role of vaccines in preventing disease.

One parent said vaccination decisions should ultimately remain between families and their doctors.

"It's up to the parent to make that decision. And the doctor, no government involved," the parent said.

Another parent also criticized federal officials for making decisions about vaccines, saying, "You got people up there in D.C. who are not the experts making decisions for the parents, and it's to be the parents."