Trump vaccine order threatens meningitis protection gains, advocates warn

Donald Trump signed an executive order that reclassifies meningococcal vaccines, including MenB, as recommended only for high-risk groups or after shared clinical decision-making. The directive asks agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop plans that could lower vaccination coverage. Advocates, including Alicia Stillman—who lost her daughter Emily to meningitis B and later helped secure the vaccine’s U.S. approval—express deep concern that the policy will increase disease incidence.

They point to historical declines of up to 90 percent after widespread vaccine use and note a recent uptick in cases linked to growing vaccine skepticism. Abby Wold, an advocate who survived a severe meningitis episode, warns that without strong recommendations, rates could climb back to 1990s levels. Pediatricians are urged to continue emphasizing the seriousness of preventable diseases amid mixed messages from officials.