15 States Sue HHS Over Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

Vaccine makers could be affected, but legal expert expects them to stay on the sidelines.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Fifteen states have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over changes to the childhood immunization schedule, which could cut vaccine sales for manufacturers like Pfizer, Moderna, Merck, and others. However, a legal expert believes these companies are unlikely to join the lawsuit as amicus parties, given their lack of popularity.

Why it matters

The changes to the childhood immunization schedule, which reduced the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 diseases, could significantly impact vaccine sales for major pharmaceutical companies. The lawsuit filed by the 15 states challenges the legality of these changes and the appointment of 'unqualified' members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

The details

The lawsuit filed by the 15 states, led by Democrats, challenges the CDC's recent decision to reduce the routine childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. The states claim the changes and the appointment of 'unqualified ACIP members' were 'arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law.' Some vaccine manufacturers, such as Sanofi and Merck, have expressed concerns about the 'sudden shift' to the new schedule, which they say will create confusion for parents and healthcare providers.

  • In May 2025, the CDC decided to remove COVID-19 vaccines from the list of products recommended for healthy children and pregnant women.
  • In January 2026, the CDC updated the childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 diseases.
  • On February 27, 2026, 15 states filed a lawsuit against the HHS and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the changes to the childhood immunization schedule.

The players

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The federal agency responsible for the nation's health and social services programs.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

An environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

A professional organization of pediatricians that filed a separate lawsuit last year against the HHS and Kennedy over changes to the recommended immunization schedules for children and pregnant women.

Dorit Reiss

A professor of law at UC Law San Francisco who provided expert analysis on the likelihood of vaccine manufacturers joining the lawsuit as amicus parties.

Thomas Triomphe

The executive vice president of vaccines at Sanofi, who expressed concerns about the 'sudden shift' to the new immunization schedule.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.