Federal Judge Blocks RFK Jr.’s Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

A federal judge has temporarily blocked recent changes to the nation’s childhood vaccine schedule, ruling that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acted unlawfully when reshaping the policy. The decision stems from a lawsuit brought by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other medical groups.

Local Reactions to the Ruling

Local pediatricians and parents have expressed support for the ruling, emphasizing the importance of established, evidence-based immunization schedules.

“These schedules have been in place for quite a while… You can’t just walk in and say, ‘Let’s just change it,'” said Eric A. Yancy, a pediatrician in Indianapolis.

Some parents expressed continued trust in their pediatricians and the recommended vaccine schedules. “I’m doing what I’ve always done, I’ve trusted who I’ve always trusted,” shared Kait Baumgartner, a mother of three. Another parent, wishing to remain anonymous, stated, “I’m gonna trust my son’s doctor. I research him enough, and I trust him enough to go with what he says and the Academy of Pediatrics.”

Background on the Policy Changes

In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance for childhood vaccines, reducing the number of recommended vaccines for children from 18 to 11. The changes dropped recommendations for six diseases: hepatitis A and B, RSV, influenza, COVID-19, and meningococcal disease.

Many pediatricians opposed these changes when they were first announced, citing concerns about potential harm to children and the broader public health. “When you’re vaccinating your child, you’re not just vaccinating your child, you’re protecting a lot of people who are not able to immunize themselves,” explained Keelie Wagner, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Children Express Care Clinic. Yancy added, “On the part of many pediatricians and those who care for children, there was outrage. Because, once again, we see that as a situation where we know that children are going to be harmed.”

The Court’s Decision and its Implications

Judge Brian Murphy issued a preliminary injunction staying Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC, finding the appointments likely violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The injunction also stays all votes taken by the ACIP, the revised vaccine schedule issued by HHS on January 5, the May 2025 Secretarial Directive on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, and the downgraded Hepatitis B vaccine recommendations made at the December 2025 ACIP meeting.

The ruling also suspended the appointments of the 13 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, who were appointed by Kennedy after he fired all preceding members. This decision was praised by the AAP and other health groups.

The CDC vaccine committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), postponed a meeting that was planned for Wednesday and Thursday as a result of the ruling.

HHS Response

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services stated the agency will appeal the decision. Andrew Nixon, HHS Spokesperson, said, “HHS looks forward to this judge’s decision being overturned just like his other attempts to keep the Trump administration from governing.”

Looking Ahead

The future of the nation’s childhood vaccine schedule remains uncertain as the case proceeds and the HHS appeals the judge’s decision. Pediatricians and public health officials emphasize the importance of adhering to evidence-based immunization practices to protect children and communities from preventable diseases.