Public Health Groups Sue Over CDC Vaccine Policy Changes

Jan 21, 2026, 2:18 AM

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A coalition of leading medical organizations has initiated a lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr regarding recent modifications to federal COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. The groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the American Public Health Association, argue that these changes threaten public trust in vaccines and violate established federal procedures for vaccine policy changes.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, specifically targets Kennedy's decision to exclude pregnant women and healthy children from the COVID-19 vaccine schedule, a move made in late May. The plaintiffs describe this action as "arbitrary" and "capricious," asserting that it contravenes the Administrative Procedure Act, which outlines the necessary processes for altering vaccine recommendations.

Dr Susan Kressly, president of the AAP, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Every child's health is at stake." She expressed concern that the recent changes have sidelined expert opinions and undermined the evidence-based approach that has historically guided vaccine policy.

The lawsuit seeks both preliminary and permanent injunctions to halt the implementation of Kennedy's new recommendations and to declare them unlawful. Richard H. Hughes IV, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, criticized Kennedy's unilateral actions, claiming they lack the necessary procedural integrity and transparency.

In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that Secretary Kennedy stands by his reforms, asserting that they are intended to restore public confidence in vaccine science.

The controversy escalated when Kennedy removed all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and replaced them with his own appointees. This committee is crucial for providing guidance on vaccine use in the US, and the abrupt changes have raised alarms among public health experts and medical professionals.

Critics argue that the new appointees may lack the necessary expertise and impartiality that characterized the previous committee. The AAP and other organizations have voiced concerns that these changes could lead to a decline in vaccination rates and an increase in preventable diseases.

The lawsuit also highlights the implications of Kennedy's decision on vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children. One plaintiff, a pregnant physician identified as "Jane Doe," fears that the changes will hinder her ability to access the COVID-19 vaccine, putting her health and that of her unborn child at risk.

Public health experts have noted a significant decline in trust in US public health institutions, which dropped from 72% to 40% between 2020 and 2024. This decline coincided with the pandemic and the introduction of vaccine mandates, leading to increased vaccine hesitancy.

The CDC's updated immunization schedule, which now recommends vaccines based on international consensus, has also been a point of contention. While the CDC continues to recommend vaccines for diseases like measles and whooping cough, the recent changes have sparked debate over the necessity and safety of certain vaccines, particularly for children.

As the lawsuit unfolds, the future of US immunization policy remains uncertain. Public health organizations are calling for a return to evidence-based practices and transparency in vaccine recommendations to restore trust among the public.

The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for vaccine policy and public health in the United States, as stakeholders await a court's decision on the legality of Kennedy's actions.

In conclusion, the lawsuit against Secretary Kennedy represents a critical moment in the ongoing debate over vaccine policy in the US As public health groups advocate for the reinstatement of expert guidance in vaccine recommendations, the case underscores the importance of maintaining trust in public health institutions.

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