Edney emphasized that the executive directive holds no legal authority over state-level public health guidance. He stated that the Mississippi State Department of Health will continue following state law and established scientific evidence, keeping current vaccination guidance unchanged.
Edney urged parents with concerns to consult directly with their healthcare providers.
“We at the Department of Health will be working closely with the CDC, but again, if your family like mine who understands the importance of vaccinations don't change anything. If you're confused or have questions, pivot to your doctor. Talk to your doctor.”
While Edney voiced support for the president’s emphasis on shared decision-making between parents and physicians, he noted that Mississippi’s guidelines are backed by decades of proven medical research.
“I very much support the recommendations from the president that we should involve shared decision making,” Edney said.
Mississippi has not reported a single case of measles since 1992, Edney noted, crediting high immunization rates with protecting the public against severe diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria.
“Good conservative policy is you don't mess with what works,” Edney said. “The whole basis of conservatism. And so this is not a very conservative policy to look at upending what we have proven works to keep our children safe and healthy.”
Although Mississippi maintains high overall childhood vaccination rates, Edney noted that eight counties have dropped below the 95% threshold among kindergarten students. He warned that communities with lower coverage face heightened vulnerability if measles is reintroduced.
While the immediate risk of an outbreak in Mississippi remains low due to relatively small numbers of unvaccinated children, Edney cautioned that risks will escalate if vaccination rates continue to decline.
“The science has not changed, the medical evidence has not changed, and therefore the recommendations haven't changed,” Edney said.
Pediatrician Dr. John Gaudet similarly urged families not to let national policy debates compromise their children's healthcare.
“The decision on how and what to vaccinate for your child is made by a parent in conjunction with a doctor that they know and trust,” Gaudet said.
Gaudet stressed that immunization decisions should be made in consultation with a trusted physician, advising parents to seek credible medical guidance rather than unverified information from online discussion forums.
“The best place to start getting your information will be with your doctor at your child's office visit,” he said. “There’s no evidence that shows that that provides any improvements over the current three in one vaccine.”
Under current state guidelines, healthy children in Mississippi are recommended to receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose before entering kindergarten. In specific scenarios, such as localized outbreaks or travel to high-risk areas, earlier vaccination may be recommended.
The proposal to break up the combined MMR shot would necessitate the regulatory approval and manufacturing of separate measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, which are not currently available in the U.S., Gaudet explained. He added that no scientific evidence supports splitting the combined vaccine into separate doses.
Both state health leaders and pediatricians agree that families should continue following established medical recommendations provided by their healthcare professionals.
Edney affirmed that state health authorities will monitor federal developments and collaborate with federal agency partners while prioritizing medical guidance over political debate.
“Don't be confused about the politics trying to impact medical recommendations,” Edney said. “Parents know their children the best. Doctors and providers know their patients the best, and so parents and physicians and providers need to work together to come to the right answers for their families.”
