RFK Jr. Says Officials Exploring Feasibility Of Breaking Up MMR Vaccine

Federal officials are considering separating the MMR vaccine into individual shots for measles, mumps, and rubella. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed the exploration of this feasibility. The HHS spokesperson stated standalone vaccinations could decrease side effects and increase parental choice. This potential change follows President Trump's call for separate shots for these diseases. Currently, no individual vaccines for these diseases are available in the US. Acting CDC Director supported the call and urged vaccine manufacturers to act, emphasizing safety and monovalent targeting. Merck, a vaccine manufacturer, opposes separating combination vaccines, while GlaxoSmithKline has not commented. The CDC recently changed its recommendations, no longer advising the four-antigen vaccine for children under four. The CDC's vaccine advisory panel reviewed data indicating increased risk of febrile seizures with the four-antigen vaccine. The advisory panel meeting was postponed indefinitely. The CDC recommends either MMR or other combination shots for children 4 and up, with most states requiring vaccination for school. Over 90% of children have received the MMR vaccine, and outbreaks continue across states.