President Trump signed an executive order on Monday that would reduce the number of vaccines required in childhood immunisation schedules. The American Academy of Pediatrics, through its president Dr. Andrew Racine, responded with strong criticism, stating the order presents a public health risk at a time when preventable disease rates are rising.

The timing of the order coincides with concerning disease trends: measles infections have reached their highest level in more than three decades, whilst the onset of cold and flu season presents additional infectious disease pressures. Dr. Racine's statement framed the order as both disheartening and potentially harmful to children's health.