Federal Judge Blocks RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Policy Changes

Ruling prevents HHS secretary from dropping key childhood immunizations

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:38am

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A federal judge in Boston has blocked efforts by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove several key childhood vaccinations, including for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, RSV, dengue, and two strains of meningitis, from the recommended immunization schedule. The judge also prevented Kennedy from seating a new vaccine advisory panel that would have replaced expert medical advisors.

Why it matters

Vaccination of children is a critical public health measure, and there is broad scientific consensus on the necessity of the current vaccine schedule. Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist, has been working to undermine childhood immunization efforts, which has contributed to the resurgence of diseases like measles that were previously eradicated.

The details

Last week, Boston Federal Judge Brian Murphy ruled against Kennedy's efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services, reversing the secretary's plan to drop several routine childhood vaccinations. The judge also blocked Kennedy from seating a new vaccine advisory panel that would have replaced expert medical advisors with individuals more aligned with his anti-vaccine views.

  • The ruling was issued on March 22, 2026.
  • An outbreak of measles, a disease once eradicated, has grown to 1,300 cases since last year.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has a long history of promoting anti-vaccine views and policies.

Brian Murphy

A federal judge in Boston who ruled against Kennedy's efforts to change the childhood vaccine schedule and advisory panel.

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What’s next

The judge's ruling is a victory for public health, but Kennedy remains in his position as HHS Secretary and continues to push his anti-vaccine agenda. Public and political pressure will be needed to remove him from office and prevent further damage to childhood immunization efforts.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle between science-based public health policies and the dangerous misinformation spread by anti-vaccine activists, even at the highest levels of government. Protecting children's health and the broader community requires steadfast commitment to evidence-based vaccination programs.