California Prepares Lawsuit Over Trump-Era Vaccine Policy Changes

State AG says team is mobilized to challenge federal rollback of childhood vaccine recommendations

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The state of California is preparing a lawsuit challenging recent federal changes to U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations made by the Trump administration, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Bonta expressed skepticism towards broad immunities conferred by Congress to vaccine makers, but said he did not want to give airtime to "conspiracy bullshit" from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has upended longstanding vaccine policies.

Why it matters

The California lawsuit would add legal pressure on the Trump administration's vaccine policy changes, which medical organizations and public health experts have warned could lower vaccination rates. The case highlights the ongoing debate over vaccine mandates, corporate immunity, and the role of government in public health.

The details

Bonta said his "team is mobilized" and is "looking at what the complaint looks like, where to file, what our standing is" for the planned lawsuit. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong also said his office is working with California on a potential multistate filing. The changes made by the Trump administration, led by Kennedy, removed universal recommendations for several childhood vaccines, stating parents should consult with healthcare providers.

  • The Trump administration made the changes to childhood vaccine recommendations in 2026.
  • California is preparing the lawsuit in February 2026.

The players

Rob Bonta

The Attorney General of California, the most populous U.S. state.

William Tong

The Attorney General of Connecticut, who is working with California on a potential multistate lawsuit.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, who has upended longstanding vaccine policies since taking office.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

A leading medical organization that has sued in a bid to stop the new vaccine schedule changes.

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What they’re saying

“I like the facts. I like science. I don't want to give any airtime to his-- I mean, just conspiracy bullshit.”

— Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California (Reuters)

“Can there be an example of a pharmaceutical company that did something wrong, and hurt people based on the facts, and they're enjoying absolute immunity when they should have accountability? Yeah, that's possible.”

— Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California (Reuters)

What’s next

The California lawsuit is expected to be filed in the coming weeks, adding to the legal challenges facing the Trump administration's vaccine policy changes.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between public health experts, state governments, and the federal administration over vaccine mandates and corporate immunity. It underscores the high stakes involved as policymakers grapple with balancing individual rights, public safety, and corporate accountability.