States Challenge Trump's Vaccine Policy, Calling it 'Anti-Science'

Feb 27, 2026, 2:28 AM

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A coalition of 15 states, spearheaded by California and Arizona, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's controversial vaccine policy, which they describe as "anti-science." The states assert that the administration's recent changes to the childhood vaccination schedule undermine public health and threaten to increase the spread of infectious diseases across the nation.

The lawsuit specifically targets Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who has been accused of promoting debunked theories linking vaccines to autism and undermining the credibility of vaccines widely viewed as safe and effective. The states argue that Kennedy's actions, including the firing of expert members from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the introduction of individuals with anti-vaccine views, violate established public health policy.

In January 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under Kennedy's directive, removed several vaccines from its recommended childhood immunization schedule. This list included vaccines for critical diseases such as rotavirus, measles, and COVID-19, which are essential for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. The lawsuit claims that removing these vaccines from the recommended schedule could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases, which have been significantly reduced due to widespread vaccination efforts in previous decades.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the potential consequences of these changes, stating, "What Secretary Kennedy has done throws science out the window and replaces qualified experts with unqualified ideologues." He further noted that the administration's actions could lead to more disease outbreaks, increased hospitalizations, and heightened strain on state Medicaid systems.

Public health advocates warn that the erosion of trust in vaccines, driven by the Trump administration's policies, could have long-lasting effects on community health. Routine vaccinations are estimated to have prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness and 1 million deaths among US children born between 1994 and 2023, highlighting the critical role that vaccines play in safeguarding public health.

The lawsuit also raises concerns about the implications of Kennedy's actions on immunization policy moving forward. Experts caution that if allowed to continue, this could lead to further politicization of vaccine recommendations, jeopardizing the nation's ability to respond effectively to future public health crises.

In response to the lawsuit, HHS press secretary Emily Hilliard dismissed the coalition's efforts as a "publicity stunt," asserting that the health secretary has the authority to make determinations on vaccine schedules and that the revisions reflect common-sense public health policy. However, critics argue that the changes lack a scientific basis and could leave millions of children unprotected against serious diseases.

The legal challenge reflects a growing divide in the US over vaccination policies, particularly as misinformation about vaccines continues to spread. Many state leaders and public health officials are calling for an urgent return to evidence-based immunization practices to protect vulnerable populations and maintain community health standards.

As the lawsuit unfolds, the states involved hope to restore scientific oversight to the immunization process and ensure that public health recommendations prioritize the well-being of children and families across the nation. "Vaccines save lives, and to get rid of them is illogical and unconscionable," Bonta said, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs in the fight against infectious diseases.

In conclusion, the coalition of states is taking a stand against what they see as a dangerous departure from science-based health policy. Their lawsuit aims to protect public health and restore trust in vaccines at a time when misinformation and skepticism threaten to undermine decades of progress in preventing infectious diseases.

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