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Judge Blocks Controversial Vaccine Changes Ahead of Elections

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

District Judge Brian Murphy ruled that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions violated federal law.
The judge blocked new vaccine recommendations to reduce vaccines from 17 to 11.
The judge halted Kennedy's allies' appointments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the changes lacked scientific basis.
Observers note the administration may pivot away from vaccine discussions ahead of the midterm elections.

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Story summary

District Judge Brian Murphy ruled that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions violated federal law.
The judge blocked new vaccine recommendations to reduce vaccines from 17 to 11.
The judge halted Kennedy's allies' appointments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the changes lacked scientific basis.
Observers note the administration may pivot away from vaccine discussions ahead of the midterm elections.