Medical groups file lawsuit to block new CDC vaccine recommendations after a coalition of leading physician and public health organizations took legal action against recent changes to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule.
Seven major medical associations filed suit on Monday, arguing that the revisions made by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weaken long-standing protections for children and were implemented without proper scientific review.
Who is behind the lawsuit?
The legal challenge was brought by a broad alliance of medical groups, including pediatricians, internists, infectious disease experts and public health advocates. Together, they represent tens of thousands of clinicians who say the updated guidance puts children and communities at unnecessary risk.
What changed in the vaccine schedule?
Earlier this month, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced revisions to the childhood vaccination schedule that narrowed routine recommendations for meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Under the new framework, those vaccines are now primarily recommended for children considered at higher risk of infection.
The revised guidance also shifts vaccinations for influenza, Covid-19 and rotavirus to a “shared clinical decision-making” model. This means families must consult directly with a healthcare provider before receiving those vaccines, rather than following universal recommendations. HHS has stated that insurance coverage for these vaccines will remain unchanged.
A break from past scientific process
Medical groups argue that the changes break sharply from the CDC’s traditional approach. Historically, updates to vaccine recommendations followed reviews of new scientific evidence by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
In this case, the lawsuit claims no new data was presented to challenge the safety or effectiveness of existing vaccines. Instead, the changes followed an executive order directing HHS to re-examine the U.S. childhood immunization schedule alongside those of other developed nations. The revised U.S. schedule now closely mirrors Denmark’s approach.
Legal claims and concerns
Filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, the lawsuit calls the overhaul “egregious, reckless, and dangerous,” arguing it should be ruled unlawful.
According to the complaint, federal officials failed to consider whether the revised schedule could lead to higher rates of vaccine-preventable illnesses, increased strain on the healthcare system, or greater financial burdens for American families.
Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a recent statement that vaccine guidance must be grounded in transparent, rigorous science.
“Recent decisions by federal officials have abandoned this standard,” Racine said, adding that the changes have caused confusion among families and weakened access to lifesaving vaccines.
What the medical groups are asking for
The plaintiffs are asking the court to restore the vaccine schedule to its April 15, 2025 version, before any changes were implemented. They are also seeking to halt upcoming meetings of the current ACIP panel, including a session scheduled for February.
The groups argue that the current panel relies on weak or misleading evidence and includes members who lack appropriate experience and credentials.
Federal response pushes back
HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon has dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless,” saying the ACIP continues to operate lawfully and transparently. Nixon accused the medical groups of trying to preserve a flawed status quo and obstruct the administration’s efforts to reform vaccine policy.
In response, American Academy of Pediatrics CEO Mark Del Monte said the lawsuit is about protecting children’s health and maintaining trust in vaccine recommendations. He emphasized that immunization guidance has, for decades, been based on comprehensive scientific evidence reviewed by pediatric experts.
Broader implications
The case is part of a larger legal battle over recent changes to vaccine policy, including Covid-19 vaccine recommendations. A federal judge recently rejected an HHS request to dismiss a related lawsuit, allowing the challenge to move forward.
