15 States Sue Over Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes

California leads lawsuit arguing federal revisions are unlawful and endanger children's health

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A coalition of 15 states, led by California, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging recent changes to the national childhood immunization schedule. The states argue the revisions are unlawful and could increase disease outbreaks by pushing an unscientific vaccine schedule that puts kids' lives at risk.

Why it matters

The childhood vaccine schedule is a critical public health measure to protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases. Any changes to this schedule must be grounded in science and follow proper legal procedures, which the states claim has not occurred with the recent federal revisions.

The details

The lawsuit alleges the federal government violated the law by making the vaccine schedule changes without proper public notice and comment. The states also argue the new schedule is not supported by medical evidence and could lead to more disease outbreaks by reducing vaccination rates among children.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

California

The lead plaintiff state in the lawsuit challenging the federal childhood vaccine schedule changes.

15 states

A coalition of 15 states that have joined California in filing the federal lawsuit.

Federal government

The defendant in the lawsuit, accused of making unlawful changes to the childhood vaccine schedule.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The lawsuit will now proceed through the federal court system, with the states seeking to have the vaccine schedule changes overturned.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the high stakes and intense debate around childhood vaccine policies, underscoring the need for any changes to be grounded in rigorous scientific evidence and proper legal procedures to protect public health.