Oz Defends Three-Shot MMR, Trump Claim Disputed

Dr. Mehmet Oz reiterated that the MMR vaccine is not lethal and discussed a proposal to separate the MMR components into three shots to give parents more flexibility in immunization schedules, arguing it would fit doctors’ recommendations. Trump had claimed that when given together, the vaccines could be ‘quite lethal,’ a claim experts and Merck say is unfounded and not supported by evidence. Oz acknowledged that while states set vaccine requirements and a split-dose schedule faces practical hurdles, the broader goal is to preserve parental autonomy and ensure doctors’ recommendations guide decisions. Critics warn that forcing separate injections could create logistical and cost burdens for families and complicate public health goals, including maintaining herd immunity near the 95% target. Merck notes that offering three separate shots is not feasible in the U.S. for at least a decade. The exchanges come amid political scrutiny of health policies ahead of elections, with authorities emphasizing that current vaccine practice remains the standard and safe approach.