Federal judge blocks Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Apr 25
Federal judge blocks Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule
8 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 25
In March, a federal judge halted Kennedy's vaccine schedule changes, calling them arbitrary and likely illegal; the Trump administration has not appealed the decision.
The ruling follows a surge in measles cases in the US, with over 1,700 reported this year and three child deaths last year, raising concerns about weakening vaccination programs.
Kennedy, now health secretary, faces criticism for promoting vaccine skepticism and replacing expert panels, while public health officials warn that other preventable diseases are also resurging.
With US measles cases at a 30-year high, can herd immunity ever be restored?
Can a new CDC director reverse the trend of rising preventable diseases?
Beyond measles, which other forgotten diseases could make a comeback in America?
How will states manage outbreaks with conflicting federal guidance and budget cuts?
What is the true economic cost of declining vaccination rates for the nation?
A court blocked the new vaccine rules, but what happens if the decision is appealed?
Legal Battle Halts Kennedy’s Reduction of Childhood Vaccine Schedule from 17 to 11 Shots
Overview
In 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. drastically cut the childhood vaccine schedule and replaced all members of the vaccine advisory committee with vaccine skeptics, also ending COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for certain groups. These actions sparked strong opposition from medical groups, leading to a lawsuit. In March 2026, Judge Murphy ruled that Kennedy's changes likely broke federal laws and issued an injunction restoring the original vaccine schedule and blocking the new committee. Despite this, Kennedy responded by revising the committee's charter to include vaccine injury advocates, prolonging confusion and paralysis in vaccine policy. This ongoing conflict has fractured public trust and threatens the stability of U.S. immunization programs.