HHS Deputy Secretary Calls to Break Up MMR; Merck Says No U.S. Single‑Antigen MMR Vaccines
HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill posted on X on Oct. 6, 2025 calling on vaccine manufacturers to develop monovalent measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and to “break up” the combined MMR, a position an HHS spokesperson said aligns with President Trump and parental choice. Merck responded that there are no U.S.-approved single‑antigen MMR vaccines and warned separation could reduce compliance and offers no proven benefit, a concern echoed by some experts amid wider controversy at HHS over vaccine policy linked to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comments tying vaccines to autism.
Health
Government/Regulatory
📌 Key Facts
- On Oct. 6, 2025, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill posted on X calling on vaccine manufacturers to develop safe monovalent measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and to 'break up' the combined MMR shot.
- An HHS spokesperson provided a statement affirming O'Neill's position and framed it as aligned with President Trump and parental choice.
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly linked vaccines to autism in related policy discussions, placing the deputy's call in a wider departmental context.
- Merck issued a statement saying there are no approved U.S. single‑antigen measles, mumps or rubella vaccines and warned that separating the combined MMR could reduce compliance and offers no proven benefit.
- Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel reiterated opposition to splitting the MMR vaccine, citing concerns about the need for additional safety testing and the potential for reduced vaccination compliance.
📰 Sources (2)
Vaccine debate heats up as officials weigh splitting combined MMR into single doses
New information:
- HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill posted on X on Oct. 6, 2025 calling on vaccine manufacturers to develop safe monovalent measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and to 'break up' the combined MMR shot.
- An HHS spokesperson provided a statement to the outlet affirming O'Neill's position and framing it as aligned with President Trump and parental choice.
- Merck issued a company statement saying there are no approved U.S. monovalent measles, mumps or rubella single‑antigen vaccines and warning that separating MMR could reduce compliance and offers no proven benefit.
- The article notes HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly linked vaccines to autism in related policy discussions, placing the deputy's call in a wider departmental context.
- Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel reiterated opposition to splitting the MMR vaccine, citing safety testing and compliance concerns.