Parents in Colorado who are concerned about the number of vaccines their children receive may not get the relief they hoped for from a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump. The order, issued on August 10, 2026, called for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be given separately rather than in combination. However, experts say this change may not offer the flexibility or safety benefits that some parents are seeking. Many Colorado parents are questioning the safety and timing of vaccines for their children. They often feel they know their children better than medical professionals and believe their decisions should reflect their child's unique needs. This has led some to space out vaccines or skip certain ones. The MMR vaccine, which has been given as a combination shot since 1971, has a strong safety record and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be administered in two doses—once between 12 and 15 months of age, and again between 4 and 6 years old. The CDC has not found any evidence that splitting the MMR into three separate shots offers any health benefits. While Trump argued that separating the MMR vaccine would be “not at all lethal but just very effective,” the executive order itself is more of a symbolic gesture than an implementable policy. There are currently no manufacturers in the U.S. producing the individual vaccines that make up the MMR shot, and the two remaining manufacturers, Merck and GSK, have no financial incentive to change their production processes. This means that even if the executive order were to be enacted, the practical ability to provide separate shots would be limited by supply chain issues and cost. In addition, the logistics of providing separate vaccines would create more challenges for both parents and healthcare providers. Pediatricians already struggle with the cost and complexity of managing vaccine supplies, and splitting the MMR into three shots would require more storage space and additional appointments. This could lead to more pediatricians deciding to stop offering vaccines altogether, further limiting access for families. For those who live in rural areas, where healthcare access is already limited, the change could make it even harder to ensure children receive all necessary vaccinations. The added burden of multiple visits and increased costs may leave some families unable to complete the MMR series, putting children at greater risk during disease outbreaks.