HHS Appeals Court Ruling Blocking Health Secretary Kennedy’s Vaccine Policy Changes

The Department of Health and Human Services has filed an appeal to a federal circuit court challenging a judge’s preliminary ruling that halted several of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s proposed vaccine policy changes.

The lawsuit, brought by the American Association of Pediatrics and other professional groups, argues that the reconstitution of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the alteration of the childhood vaccine schedule violated the Administrative Procedures Act.

A March decision by Judge Brian E. Murphy found the department’s actions likely illegal, citing non‑compliance with internal expertise requirements for committee members. The Justice Department’s brief appeal does not detail its arguments.

The outcome will affect how quickly the administration can implement any future changes to the national vaccine schedule.