Local pediatrician weighs in following President Trump's executive order on childhood vaccines

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A new debate over childhood vaccinations is emerging after President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing a major overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule.

The administration has argued that some childhood vaccines cause more harm than good, a position critics say is not supported by scientific evidence.

The executive order recommends that children be vaccinated against 11 diseases rather than the 18 currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The order also calls for separating the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR, into three individual shots administered during three separate appointments.

Pediatrician Dr. Elana McDonald said the executive order does not immediately change vaccination practices, but could influence future discussions about vaccine recommendations.

"The executive order does not mean that it's immediately going to take place. However, there needs to be a discussion," she said.

McDonald said separating combination vaccines could make it more difficult for patients to complete their recommended immunizations.

"When you start to split up combo vaccines, then you decrease the likelihood of patients completing the course of vaccines," she said.

She said the order could create uncertainty about vaccine safety and contribute to lower vaccination rates.

The debate comes as Pennsylvania continues to see a growing measles outbreak.

More than 230 measles cases have been reported in the state this year, including 57 reported in the last seven days.

"We are moving backwards. We've already seen it with our measles cases," McDonald said.

In the United States, vaccine recommendations are developed by an advisory committee, presented to the CDC and then adopted by the agency's director.

Experts have expressed concern that changes to vaccination recommendations could weaken herd immunity and affect insurance coverage for vaccines.

McDonald said declining vaccination rates could threaten progress made in controlling measles.

"We're now in jeopardy of losing our eradication distinction for measles. So, we know vaccines work, we know that they are safe," she said.

As discussions continue over the executive order, health experts are closely watching its potential effects on vaccination rates and public health.