WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump raised new questions about the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule during a recent White House interview on Full Measure, saying he supports vaccines that have prevented major diseases such as polio, but believes the current schedule should be reviewed.
In the interview, Trump expressed concern about the number of shots children receive early in life, claiming infants may receive as many as 88 shots. Public health experts have pushed back on that figure, noting that the U.S. childhood immunization schedule typically includes far fewer doses by age 2 and is spread across multiple doctor visits. A National Academies review has previously described the schedule as involving up to 24 immunizations by age 2, while the CDC continues to publish age-based vaccine recommendations for children and adolescents.
Trump suggested that vaccines could be spaced out over more appointments, arguing that doing so may help address concerns raised by some parents about autism. However, the CDC states that studies have not shown a link between vaccines and autism.
The remarks come as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues pushing the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, which includes a renewed focus on vaccine safety reviews and possible changes to federal guidance. Reports have noted that the Trump administration has already directed reviews of the childhood vaccine schedule and adjusted rules around the CDC’s vaccine advisory process.
Trump also said he supports easing some vaccine mandates, framing the issue as a matter of parental choice and medical transparency. Critics, including doctors and public health advocates, warned that questioning long-established vaccine schedules could fuel public confusion and reduce confidence in immunizations that protect against preventable diseases.
The interview also touched on the U.S. relationship with the World Health Organization amid a rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. The WHO said it was notified of the outbreak on May 2, 2026, involving confirmed and suspected cases, including deaths, and later deployed an expert to assist with medical assessment onboard the ship.
Trump dismissed the idea of rejoining the WHO, saying the U.S. situation remains under control. Public health officials have emphasized that hantavirus does not spread as easily as COVID-19 or measles, though U.S. passengers from the affected cruise ship have been evaluated and repatriated under health monitoring protocols.
