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Federal Judge Blocks Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Vaccine Policy Overhaul Effort
Federal Judge Halts Vaccine Policy Reforms
A U.S. federal judge on Monday blocked major parts of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s effort to overhaul U.S. vaccine policy. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy ruled that key changes, including plans to cut the number of routine childhood vaccines and remake the government's vaccine advisory panel, were unlawful. Murphy sided with pediatricians who warned the moves could lower vaccination rates and put public health at risk.
Advisory Panel Meeting Postponed and Prior Votes Invalidated
The ruling immediately postponed a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Murphy said the panel did not meet federal requirements for balance after Kennedy last year replaced all 17 independent experts who previously served on it. He also barred all 13 members appointed by Kennedy from serving. That decision also invalidates votes the panel had already taken to scale back vaccine recommendations.
Science-Based Processes and Expected Appeal
Murphy said the U.S. has long relied on science-based processes to fight disease through vaccines, processes which he said were disregarded under Kennedy's leadership. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine critic appointed by President Donald Trump, has argued that changes are needed to restore public trust. The Trump administration is expected to appeal. The White House declined to comment, but Health and Human Services said it expects the ruling to be overturned. Medical groups praised the decision as a victory for science and public health, but groups aligned with Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' movement criticized the ruling as judicial overreach.
*Source: YouTube: Reuters (2026-03-17)*
