More Shots, Higher Costs, No New Data: PFID Responds to Childhood Vaccine Executive Order

August 10, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) released the following statement in response to today’s Executive Order narrowing federal childhood vaccine recommendations and directing agencies to challenge state school-vaccination requirements:

"Nothing about today’s order is grounded in new evidence. There have been no new safety signals, no new clinical findings, no reduced risk from vaccine-preventable disease that would justify rewriting vaccine recommendations for America's children – just months of policy whiplash amid America's worst measles outbreak since 1991, with no end in sight.

“The ongoing measles outbreak is a tragic example of the health consequences caused by vaccine disinformation leading to lower vaccination rates. That reality undercuts any claim that this order carries no real cost for families.

“Repeating false and misleading information about the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, vaccine ingredients, and the safety and effectiveness of recommended vaccines does not make our children healthier or safer. It will only leave more American children vulnerable to preventable illness.

“The order is not anchored to an actual problem, and the stated justifications don’t hold up. It also leans on comparisons to 'peer, developed countries,' but these countries – including Denmark, the model cited most often – operate within social and healthcare systems that differ in important way from the U.S.

"Given the strong safety record and benefits from vaccination, policymakers should make getting vaccinated easier, not harder. Recommending that people space out vaccines over multiple appointments will only add to the strain on American families. Families would face added costs from multiple medical visits, time off work and school, and greater exposure to other illnesses in crowded waiting rooms.

“In all, the directives run counter to what voters want. Extensive public opinion polling has found that more than 9 in 10 Americans say vaccines should be available and affordable – and they expect policymakers to support easy access.

"Families deserve consistency and clear, evidence-based guidance. They get that from family physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in their community. That’s where they should turn when they have questions about vaccines and recommendations to protect their health and the health of their children."

See our resources for more information about:

• Autism research: Fact sheet and video

• International vaccine schedule comparisons: Backgrounder and video

• Measles outbreaks: Statement, video, and interactive map

• Voter polling sentiments: Fact sheet and video