August 19, 2026

Oregon Health and Family Organizations Call for Action and Reaffirm Support for Science-Based Childhood Immunizations Opposing Federal Executive Order

PORTLAND, OR – On August 10, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing sweeping changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. The order bypasses the scientific review process that has long guided national vaccine policy and was issued without new evidence to support these changes.

Oregon's vaccination rates are too low to protect our communities from serious and preventable diseases, and these rates are only getting worse each year. This drop in protection is exactly why measles cases are rising in our state. This executive order is dangerous, not scientific, and comes at the worst time when Oregon’s kids and families are already at risk.

Families who have questions or feel confused are encouraged to talk to their local pediatrician or provider for answers. They are trusted resources who can help to answer questions, address confusion, and support shared decision-making. 

This executive order was not issued by doctors; it was issued by a politician. Countering its impact will take more than suggestions that families speak to their doctors. We are asking all elected leaders in Oregon to speak out against this and commit to real action to address the confusion caused by these actions.

Through this combined statement, we believe every family in Oregon deserves vaccine guidance rooted in science, not politics. Oregon families are being targeted with waves of misinformation and disinformation about vaccines, all designed to create doubt and confusion rather than to inform. Every Oregonian deserves trusted information and the personal agency to best support the health and safety of their families. 

We stand with the West Coast Health Alliance and share its position: vaccine guidance for our region must remain grounded in safety, effectiveness, transparency, and trust. Oregon families can count on the immunization schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, regardless of changes at the federal level.

Oregon Public Health Association

Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials

Oregon Pediatric Society

Oregon Association of Family Physicians

Oregon Families for Vaccines

Our Children Oregon