Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, clarified on Sunday that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not lethal. His comments came after President Trump signed an executive order earlier this month that suggested separating the three-in-one inoculation could pose risks if administered together.
"The MMR vaccine is not a lethal vaccine, and it is offered in other countries," Oz told CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” He defended Trump’s executive order, arguing it aims to give parents more control over their children's immunization schedules.
President Trump had previously stated that "In three separate vaccinations, given at separate times, together there could be a possibility they’re quite lethal," but added, "And separately, it looks like they are not at all lethal, but just very effective. So the MMR, we want to have separate, separate visits, separate times."
Critics have raised concerns that the Food and Drug Administration may require significant time to approve separate vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella. Additionally, some, like Sen. Bill Cassidy, have voiced worries that separating the vaccines could create complications for parents who might need to take more time away from work.
Oz responded to these concerns by stating, "We’re going to pay for the vaccines no matter what," referring to CMS. He framed the issue as one of parental rights, asking, "Do parents have the right to ask questions?"
Oz explained that while states determine vaccine requirements for children, Trump’s executive order is intended to encourage states to "offer parents either eligibility because of religious beliefs or other reasons why they may not want to have their kids take all the vaccines in order."
The two-shot MMR vaccine has been the recommended standard in the U.S. since 1989. Major developed countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, follow similar MMR recommendations.
In related comments during the interview, Oz also addressed projections of the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund's insolvency in approximately seven years, which could lead to an automatic benefits cut of about 11%. He mentioned the administration's plan, the Great American Health Act, which he believes will be bolstered by codifying Most-Favored-Nation Drug Pricing and addressing fraud, waste, and abuse. He stated that these measures would help the trust fund last twice as long.