# Splitting the MMR vaccine could limit access for families

> Trump's executive order promises choice but may make it harder for Colorado parents to vaccinate their children.
- Title: Splitting the MMR vaccine could limit access for families
- Summary: Trump's executive order promises choice but may make it harder for Colorado parents to vaccinate their children. Separating the MMR vaccine into individual…
- Keywords: mmr vaccine, colorado, vaccines, measles, mumps, rubella, donald trump, executive order, parenting, healthcare access, rural health, pediatricians
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/separating-the-measles-mumps-and-rubella-vaccine-could-decrease-access-for-colorado-parents-282662
- Author: Jennifer Reich
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mmr vaccine, colorado, vaccines, measles, mumps, rubella, donald trump, executive order, parenting, healthcare access, rural health, pediatricians
## Colorado parents want vaccine choice
Many Colorado parents question vaccine safety, necessity and timing. They value independence and feel they know their children better than physicians.
## Parents customize vaccine schedules
Rather than rejecting all vaccines, parents space them out or skip ones they don't feel comfortable with based on their child's unique needs.
## Trump's executive order targets MMR
Trump signed an order calling for measles, mumps and rubella vaccines to be given separately instead of combined.
## Executive order lacks implementation power
The order is a symbolic gesture, not implementable policy. Trump claimed combined MMR could be lethal, a claim without scientific basis.

> Trump made the unsubstantiated claim that MMR vaccines given in combination could be 'quite lethal.'
## MMR has a long safety record
The combined MMR vaccine has been given since 1971 and became the only option around 2008. No evidence shows benefit in separating it.
## Parents fear too many vaccines
Before COVID-19, 20% to 25% of U.S. parents chose alternative schedules or rejected some vaccines, fearing they'd overwhelm children's immune systems.
## Colorado exemption rates are rising
About 87.7% of Colorado kindergartners received both measles shots in 2025-26, the sixth-lowest rate nationally and far below the 95% immunity threshold.
## No separate vaccines manufactured
Individual measles, mumps and rubella shots haven't been made in the U.S. since 2008. Manufacturers have little incentive to change.
## Pediatricians may stop stocking vaccines
36% of pediatricians have considered stopping vaccine provision due to cost and hassle. Storing three times the vials could push more to quit.
## Pharmacists can't help young children
Pharmacists cannot administer vaccines to anyone younger than 3 years old under federal law, when vaccines are often most important.
## Six visits instead of two
Senator Bill Cassidy noted that separate shots mean six doctor visits instead of two, with parents missing work six times and insurance paying for six visits.

> Instead of the child getting two shots, they're getting six. Instead of Mom and Dad missing work twice to bring the child to the doctor, they're missing six times.
## Rural Colorado faces access barriers
Distance, limited appointments and provider shortages already create barriers. The average rural healthcare visit costs $718, including $235 in lost wages.
## Order increases confusion, not safety
The executive order offers no data or evidence to improve children's health. It does little to help struggling families or reduce parents' vaccine anxiety.
## Key takeaway

Separating the MMR vaccine into individual shots could reduce access to vaccines rather than expand parental choice.