U.S. states sue Robert F. Kennedy over childhood vaccine changes

A coalition of 16 U.S. state attorneys general and the governor of Pennsylvania have filed a federal lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and CDC Director Erica Schwartz. The legal action challenges a new childhood vaccination schedule published by the CDC that excludes seven vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and meningitis.

The lawsuit seeks to have the new schedule declared illegal and requests the restoration of previous immunization recommendations. Additionally, the plaintiffs contest the June 2025 removal of the 17 voting members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The coalition alleges these experts were replaced without following proper procedures by individuals lacking necessary qualifications.

Following these changes, the new committee voted to eliminate the long-standing recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination in newborns, a policy in place since 1991. The attorneys general argue that the changes lack sufficient scientific basis and pose a significant risk to public health.