Trump cuts childhood vaccine recommendations as doctors warn of health risks

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday calling for fewer childhood vaccinations and limiting federal support to vaccines against 11 diseases.

Trump said the changes would provide children with "gold-standard" protection and bring the US closer to countries that recommend fewer vaccinations.

The order also recommends separating the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine into three shots given during different medical visits.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously pushed to reduce the number of recommended childhood vaccines.

Scientists have repeatedly rejected claims promoted by Kennedy linking vaccines to autism.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and vaccine manufacturer Merck criticised the latest changes.

"We are evaluating our next steps," Richard Hughes IV, lead counsel for the American Academy of Pediatrics, said.

Merck said there was no published scientific evidence showing a benefit from separating the MMR vaccine and warned the move could result in delayed or missed immunisations.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, also criticised Trump's decision.

"I'm a doctor. This executive order ​is wrong. The president does not have the expertise to make these changes," Cassidy said.

He warned that splitting combination vaccines "will mean children have to get more shots to get the same protection, not fewer shots."