Doctors sue to block RFK Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule

The American Academy of Pediatrics and several public health groups filed an amended complaint in federal court seeking to reverse Health and Human Services and CDC changes that reduced the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, saying the agencies did not follow required procedures.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced on Jan. 5 that it would reduce the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics and six other public health groups filed an amended complaint in federal court in Massachusetts alleging the agency revised the schedule without following required, evidentiary procedures. The plaintiffs say the change has disrupted pediatric care and clinical guidance and are asking a judge to reverse the agency actions and address recent advisory panel appointments. Key facts: - HHS announced it was no longer broadly recommending six of 17 previously recommended childhood vaccines, reducing the CDC-recommended schedule to 11 vaccines. - The American Academy of Pediatrics and other public health groups filed an amended complaint in federal court in Massachusetts alleging the agency acted arbitrarily and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. - The suit asks the court to reverse the revised vaccination recommendations and to set aside the recent appointments and votes of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which plaintiffs say included members who have questioned vaccination research. - The complaint reports that the change has complicated clinical guidance, increased burdens on pediatric practices and hospitals, and led to more time-consuming and sometimes contentious visits with families. Summary: Plaintiffs are asking a federal judge to reverse the revised recommendations and to set aside recent ACIP appointments and votes. The matter is pending in federal court in Massachusetts and will proceed through judicial review; timing of a decision was not specified in the filings.