Multistate Lawsuit Challenges Trump Administration's Vaccine Policy Changes

A coalition of 15 states, led by California and Arizona, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging significant changes to the federal childhood vaccine schedule. The lawsuit, announced on February 24, 2026, targets the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asserting that the new guidelines pose an illegal threat to public health.

The GuardianPhiladelphia InquirerReutersNJ joins lawsuit over childhood vaccine schedule changesBioPharmaDiveCalifornia co-leads multi-state lawsuit against CDC’s unscientific vaccine recommendations putting public health at riskFiercePharmaNew York Times

The lawsuit arises from the CDC's recent decision to reduce the number of universally recommended vaccines for children from 17 to 11. This change eliminates recommendations for vaccines against diseases such as COVID-19, rotavirus, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and some forms of meningitis. Under the new guidelines, vaccinations are only recommended for specific high-risk groups or through shared decision-making with healthcare providers. Critics argue that these changes disregard decades of scientific evidence and could lead to increased rates of vaccine-preventable diseases.

NJ joins lawsuit over childhood vaccine schedule changes

The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration's actions violate federal requirements mandating that the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) be composed of independent experts. They contend that Kennedy's replacement of the committee's members with individuals who hold anti-vaccine views undermines the integrity of vaccine policy. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, "The Trump Administration’s attacks on science are irresponsible and dangerous," emphasizing the potential public health risks associated with the new recommendations.

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The lawsuit highlights concerns that the changes could lower vaccination rates and increase the burden on state healthcare systems. States involved in the lawsuit, including New Jersey, Connecticut, and Michigan, argue that the new guidelines will force them to allocate more resources to combat outbreaks of preventable diseases. The complaint seeks to have the court declare the new vaccine schedule and the appointments to the ACIP as unlawful.

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The HHS has dismissed the lawsuit as a "publicity stunt," asserting that the health secretary has the authority to make determinations regarding the CDC's immunization schedule. In a statement, the department claimed that the changes reflect common-sense public health policy aligned with practices in other developed nations. However, critics maintain that the abrupt policy shift lacks a solid scientific foundation and could jeopardize children's health.

NJ joins lawsuit over childhood vaccine schedule changes

Opposition to the Trump administration's vaccine policy changes has been vocal among public health experts and medical organizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other groups have previously filed legal actions against similar policy shifts, arguing that they are not based on scientific evidence. Critics, including New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, have condemned the new vaccine schedule as a "radical and unlawful overhaul" that gambles with children's health.

NJ joins lawsuit over childhood vaccine schedule changes

The lawsuit is set to unfold in a Northern California federal court, with a hearing scheduled for March 2026. The outcome could have significant implications for federal vaccine policy and public health practices across the United States, as states seek to uphold science-based immunization guidelines amidst ongoing political tensions.

The Guardian

• “The health and safety of children across the country is not a political issue,” — Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General

The Guardian

• “Public health decisions must remain grounded in truth and facts.” — Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

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• “Protecting children is a priority for our office,” — Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Attorney General

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• “The Trump Administration’s attacks on science are irresponsible and dangerous.” — Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

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