Trump's Terms Federal judge halts RFK Jr.'s changes to children's vaccine policies
Mar 17, 2026
Rob Stein, NPR health correspondent who covers vaccine policy, breaks down a federal judge's halt to sweeping vaccine changes. He explains the specific proposed cuts to childhood and newborn vaccine recommendations. He outlines the court's procedural concerns, the reshaping of advisory committees, and how medical groups and activists reacted.
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Judge Voids Overhaul After Committee Replacement
- The administration reshaped federal vaccine policy by installing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS health secretary and replacing the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
- Judge Brian Murphy voided the committee's actions and said Kennedy bypassed required scientific procedures, calling the schedule changes arbitrary and capricious.
Multiple Vaccine Policy Cuts Put On Hold
- The administration cut COVID-19 access, dropped newborn hepatitis B recommendation, and proposed slashing the childhood vaccine schedule.
- Those moves are now paused because the judge found the agency violated federal procedural law.
Use Lawsuits To Challenge Procedural Violations
- Medical groups sued and celebrated the ruling as a win for public health and science, signaling how to contest administrative policy changes.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics led the suit and its lawyer called the decision a great victory.