Federal Judge Halts Overhaul of CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

On March 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy issued a preliminary ruling that temporarily blocked Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the CDC's vaccine advisory panel. The judge found that the changes made to the committee did not comply with federal legal procedures, specifically the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This ruling has led to significant confusion regarding the future of ACIP and its role in shaping U.S. vaccine policy.

CNN

Judge Murphy's decision suspended the appointments of 13 of the 15 current ACIP members, most of whom were criticized for lacking meaningful experience in vaccines. The ruling also invalidated all votes taken by the committee since Kennedy's reconstitution of it in June 2025, effectively resetting U.S. vaccine policy to early 2025. The judge emphasized that a properly constituted committee is essential for making informed vaccine recommendations, which have significant implications for public health.

(The) Atlantic

Following the ruling, there has been a flurry of contradictory statements regarding ACIP's status. Dr. Robert Malone, a member appointed by Kennedy, initially claimed that the committee would be disbanded and reformed. However, he later retracted this statement, indicating that no final decision had been made. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated that any assertions about the committee's future were "baseless speculation." Meanwhile, a former ACIP member suggested that the committee would continue to exist, albeit without the disqualified members.

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Richard Hughes IV, the attorney representing the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which filed the lawsuit against Kennedy's policies, asserted that any new iteration of ACIP must adhere to federal laws governing committee formation. He emphasized that a qualified committee selected through the proper process is essential to avoid further legal challenges. HHS has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling, with Nixon expressing optimism about overturning the judge's decision.

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The ruling has drawn criticism from various quarters. Bruce Mirken, communications co-chair for Defend Public Health, remarked that the ongoing chaos surrounding ACIP undermines public trust in government health agencies. He called for Kennedy's impeachment, arguing that the current situation could lead to preventable disease outbreaks due to declining vaccination rates. Additionally, experts have noted that the lack of a functioning ACIP leaves the CDC without critical guidance as it navigates upcoming vaccine recommendations.

(The) Atlantic

As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of ACIP remains uncertain. The judge's ruling has temporarily halted significant changes to the childhood immunization schedule, including the reinstatement of previously recommended vaccines. The ongoing legal battle may further complicate the CDC's ability to respond to emerging public health challenges, particularly as trust in federal health agencies continues to wane among the public.

(The) Atlantic

• “Any new iteration of the committee must conform to the laws at issue in our case, including FACA, and its reconstitution must comply with the APA.” — Richard Hughes IV, Attorney for the American Academy of Pediatrics

CNN

• “Unless officially announced by us, any assertions about what we are doing next is baseless speculation.” — Andrew Nixon, HHS Spokesperson

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• “this chaos simply adds to the public’s declining trust in government health agencies” — Bruce Mirken, Communications Co-chair for Defend Public Health

The Guardian