Federal Judge Blocks Vaccine Reduction Proposal by Health Secretary Kennedy

Mon Mar 16 2026 23:20:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A ruling from a federal judge has prevented U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from reducing vaccine recommendations for children, citing potential violations of federal procedures and significant health risks.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposal to reduce childhood vaccine recommendations, asserting that the changes may violate federal procedures. The decision follows complaints from leading medical groups, who argue the proposed reductions could endanger children's health. Kennedy's move previously aimed to discontinue broad vaccine recommendations for diseases such as flu and RSV. The lawsuit initiated in Boston now encompasses broader vaccine advisory committee concerns.

A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every child, emphasizing possible procedural violations by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The ruling halts an order by Kennedy — announced in January — to cease broad recommendations for childhood vaccinations against influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, certain forms of meningitis, and RSV.

Leading medical organizations raised concerns that the proposed changes would jeopardize protections against a range of diseases. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics, among other groups, amended a lawsuit filed in July requesting a halt to the modified vaccination schedule.

This original lawsuit focused on Kennedy’s decision to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for most children and pregnant women. As further alarming moves from Kennedy emerged, the plaintiffs urged Judge Brian E. Murphy to address these policy alterations.

The amended complaint specifically requests scrutiny of Kennedy’s actions regarding the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises health officials on vaccinations.

Kennedy, known as a prominent anti-vaccine activist prior to his role as health official, dismissed the entire 17-member advisory panel last year, substituting it with members having anti-vaccine leanings.

Judge Murphy expressed concern over the legality of the reconstitution of ACIP, stating that actions taken by the newly formed committee are now on hold.

Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon indicated that they anticipate a reversal of the judge’s decision, similar to other actions taken to challenge the previous administration's governance.

ACIP was supposed to convene this week to discuss COVID-19 vaccines and other related topics; however, that meeting will now be deferred.

“ACIP, as presently constituted, cannot meet,” commented Richard Hughes IV, an attorney for the AAP, questioning how a committee can operate without most of its members' participation.