Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly stated on August 23, 2026, that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not a lethal vaccine, directly contradicting recent remarks by President Donald Trump.
During an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Oz addressed Trump’s claim, made during an August 2026 executive order signing, that the combined MMR vaccine “could be quite lethal” and suggested it should be administered as three separate shots. Oz emphasized that the MMR vaccine is not lethal and has been safely used for over 40 years.
Trump’s remarks and the executive order
President Trump signed an executive order to overhaul the government’s vaccine recommendations, including splitting the MMR vaccine into multiple doses. At the signing ceremony, Trump stated without evidence that the combined MMR shot “could be quite lethal,” advocating for separate administration of its components. He did not provide supporting data for this claim.
Merck’s response on separate doses
Merck, the manufacturer of the MMR vaccine, confirmed that separate doses for measles, mumps, and rubella are not currently available in the U.S. and would not be for at least another 10 years. The company cited manufacturing and regulatory challenges as reasons for the delay.
Oz’s stance on parental choice and vaccine policy
Oz reiterated that the administration supports parental choice in vaccination decisions while encouraging adherence to medical recommendations. He noted that some states have not clarified policies allowing parents to opt out of certain vaccines due to religious or personal beliefs, making it difficult for families to make informed decisions.
Oz also referenced international practices, stating that the MMR vaccine is administered separately in countries like Japan, where the combined vaccine was banned in 1993 after concerns over a mumps strain linked to aseptic meningitis. Japan continues to offer separate measles and rubella vaccines, with an optional mumps vaccine.
Background on measles outbreaks
The debate over the MMR vaccine comes amid rising measles cases in the U.S., reaching the highest levels in 35 years. Health officials have emphasized the importance of vaccination to curb outbreaks, while some parents have expressed concerns over vaccine safety and the timing of doses.
CMS administrator’s role in vaccine policy
As CMS administrator, Oz oversees federal healthcare programs, including vaccination policies for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. His public remarks signal a divergence within the administration on vaccine messaging, with Oz rejecting Trump’s characterization of the MMR vaccine as potentially lethal.