Overview
- A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction staying 13 of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ACIP appointments, nullifying all votes taken by the remade panel, and pausing January’s childhood‑immunization schedule changes.
- The court found the committee likely fails Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements for relevant expertise and balance, and said sweeping policy shifts were adopted without proper process.
- Plaintiffs including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Infectious Diseases Society of America challenged votes to curb thimerosal‑containing flu shots, downgrade COVID‑19 guidance, and rescind universal newborn hepatitis B vaccination.
- With the injunction in place, prior recommendations remain operative, preserving insurance coverage, Vaccines for Children eligibility, and access to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
- An ACIP meeting planned for this week was postponed, and HHS has indicated it will seek to overturn the decision as the litigation continues.