President Donald Trump endorsed a study from January by the Department of Health and Human Services. The study proposes reducing the number of vaccines recommended for American children. Trump’s executive order directs federal agencies to adopt policies aligning with the study’s recommendations. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long advocated for these changes.

The study concludes that the U.S. recommends more vaccines for children compared to other nations. It calls for immunizing children against 11 diseases, while suggesting further vaccines only for high-risk groups or as doctors advise through shared decision-making. These include vaccines for flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, and RSV.

Previously, an attempt to reduce recommended vaccines was halted by a federal judge in Massachusetts. The administration is appealing this decision. Trump’s order reinforces the study, as his administration had been shifting attention to mainstream health topics like nutrition.

The order instructs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to review the study and update vaccination guidelines accordingly. It emphasizes flexibility for parents and doctors, ensuring access to vaccines remains unchanged. Although the federal government doesn’t mandate vaccinations for schoolchildren, CDC guidelines heavily influence state regulations. Some states are forming alliances to oppose federal guidance on vaccines.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, influenced the study. Last year, he stopped the CDC from recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, a decision criticized by health experts. Kennedy also replaced a 17-member CDC vaccine advisory committee with his appointees, some of whom are skeptical of vaccines.

The study noted an increase in vaccine recommendations for U.S. children over the years. It also pointed to countries where school attendance doesn’t require any vaccines.