Louisiana pediatrician warns MMR vaccine changes could confuse parents, delay childhood vaccinations

However, individual measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are not currently an option in the United States. There are no single-disease versions that currently meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements for use, according to Dr. Joseph A. Bocchini, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Willis-Knighton.

Bocchini said changing the current approach could add risk to an already vulnerable population of young children.

“The current MMR vaccine we're using was licensed about 48 years ago, and we have a long track record of safety with this combination vaccine,” Bocchini said. “We have a long track record of how effective this vaccine is.”

Bocchini said developing individual vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella would require manufacturers to conduct testing and go through the FDA licensing process.

“That's probably a multi-year series of events that have to take place before that can even happen,” he said.

The proposal could also affect parents who are already hesitant about childhood vaccinations.

Kira Irons’ daughter, Cora, was vaccinated according to pediatric guidelines. Irons said she has friends who have paused or delayed vaccinations and believes parents should rely on their pediatricians while making decisions about their children’s health.

Bocchini said he understands parents may have questions or concerns, but encouraged them to discuss those concerns with their child’s health care provider.

Opponents of the proposed changes say there could be several unintended consequences. Children could remain unvaccinated for longer periods because of the time needed between individual shots. Some parents also could fail to complete the full series because separating the vaccines could require more appointments.

Bocchini also questioned whether insurance companies would cover the additional visits.

“There are a lot of problems with trying to change a schedule,” he said. “One, because it's unnecessary. Two, because there's no science behind the change. And three, because of the burden on patients and families.”

He said the changes could ultimately create more vaccine hesitancy.

“This is going to be very confusing for parents and potentially may make them hesitant about getting vaccines that we know are safe and effective for children and have a long track record of reducing disease in the pediatric population,” Bocchini said.

Bocchini also pointed to a 2026 survey of Louisiana pediatricians, which found that 98% said they were determined to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended vaccination schedule regardless of changes made at the federal level.