Washington: US President Donald Trump has ordered federal health officials to review the childhood vaccine schedule and consider reducing the number of recommended shots, aiming to align more closely with other developed nations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trump's directive was issued shortly after a significant decision by a key vaccine advisory panel to end the long-standing recommendation for all newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. This marks the most substantial change to the childhood immunization schedule under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Trump's memorandum describes the US as an 'outlier' for recommending vaccination of all children against 18 diseases. It questions the necessity of yearly flu shots for children, emphasizing that any revisions should not impede access to existing vaccines. Trump expressed concerns on Truth Social, suggesting that the US recommends 'far more' childhood vaccines than necessary.

"In fact, it is ridiculous! Many parents and scientists have been questioning the efficacy of this 'schedule,' as have I!" Trump stated. He announced the signing of a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Health and Human Services to 'FAST TRACK' a comprehensive evaluation of vaccine schedules from other countries. The goal is to align the US vaccine schedule with what he described as the "Gold Standard of Science and COMMON SENSE."