The judge also finds Trump administration unlawfully appointed vaccine advisers
Posted: March 23, 2026
A federal judge last week temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every child, and said U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping a key vaccine advisory committee.
The March 16 decision halted an order by Kennedy — announced in January — to end broad recommendations for all children to be vaccinated against flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, some forms of meningitis and RSV.
It also stopped a meeting of a Kennedy-appointed vaccine advisory committee, which was set to convene last week in Atlanta.
The judge’s order, however, is not the final word. The blocks are temporary, pending either a trial or a decision for summary judgment.
Federal health officials indicated they planned to appeal.
In a statement, American Academy of Pediatrics President Andrew Racine called the ruling “a historic and welcome outcome for children, communities, and pediatricians everywhere.”
“When Secretary Kennedy made unsupported and unscientific changes to pediatric immunization recommendations last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) was mission-bound to step up and push back against these dangerous actions that have sown chaos and confusion for parents and pediatricians across the country. This decision effectively means that a science-based process for developing immunization recommendations is not to be trifled with and represents a critical step to restoring scientific decision-making to federal vaccine policy that has kept children healthy for years,” Racine added.
This court ruling comes during the worst measles outbreak the U.S. has seen in decades. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, but it is also preventable. As of March 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,362 confirmed measles cases across 31 states, with 94% linked to outbreaks that are largely driven by local transmission. There were more than 2,100 confirmed measles infections across at least 43 U.S. states in 2025. Adults and children who should be vaccinated can protect themselves and their community by receiving a safe, effective measles vaccine. Individuals should always make vaccination decisions in consultation with their medical professionals.
Visit the National Education Association’s Vaccination Resource Center for more information on vaccines and immunizations. There, you’ll find the AAP 2026 immunization schedule that recommends protection against 18 diseases and has been endorsed by more than 12 national medical societies.
Read more on the story from the Associated Press.