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Judge Blocks Kennedy's Vaccination Changes Amid Health Concerns

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal judge blocked U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccination changes, citing unlawful panel formation after he dismissed 17 independent experts.
The decision followed a lawsuit by the American Academy of Pediatrics and others arguing policies could harm public health.
The ruling invalidates Kennedy's reduced vaccination recommendations and his appointees to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with experts warning vaccine trust is damaged.

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Story summary

A federal judge blocked U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccination changes, citing unlawful panel formation after he dismissed 17 independent experts.
The decision followed a lawsuit by the American Academy of Pediatrics and others arguing policies could harm public health.
The ruling invalidates Kennedy's reduced vaccination recommendations and his appointees to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with experts warning vaccine trust is damaged.