LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada’s school immunization requirements remain in effect despite recent changes to the federal childhood vaccine schedule, the Southern Nevada Health District said.
“At this time, we understand that the changes to the federal recommendations do not change Nevada’s existing school immunization requirements,” the health district said in a statement. “Vaccines continue to be available, and coverage remains in place through insurance and existing public programs, although coverage can vary depending on the vaccine and individual circumstances.”
The district said it is reviewing the recent federal changes and their potential implications.
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Trump signs executive order on childhood vaccines
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday calling for changes to the federal childhood immunization schedule. The order advocates separating the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine — commonly known as MMR — into three single-disease shots and administering all childhood immunizations at separate appointments whenever possible.
The order also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to present a plan to offer separate measles, mumps and rubella vaccines for children. Single-disease versions of those vaccines are not currently available in the United States.
States, not the federal government, have the authority to require vaccinations for schoolchildren. The order advises states with school vaccine mandates to consider updating their laws to reflect the administration’s preferred schedule.
Concerns from public health officials
Public health experts have raised concerns that spacing out shots can increase the risk that children become infected with a vaccine-preventable disease before returning for a follow-up visit.
Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the announcement spreads uncertainty, fear and confusion.
“Science about vaccines and their efficacy has not changed,” Racine said. “The distribution of viruses and other pathogens in our environment has not changed. Children in this country have not changed in the last 48 hours.”
Speaking at the Oval Office on Monday, Trump repeatedly suggested the number or timing of vaccines could play a role in rising rates of autism spectrum disorder. Scientific consensus and decades of studies have firmly concluded there is no link between childhood vaccines and autism.
Racine said the potential link had been studied in “over 40 methodologically well-designed studies in over seven countries involving over 5 million children.”
“I’m not sure that there is anything that has been as thoroughly looked at as this question,” he said. “And the answer is unequivocally no.”
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