Health Secretary Seeks to Reignite Vaccine Advisory Work

The health secretary is taking steps to restart a government advisory panel on vaccines. A judge had previously halted the panel’s decisions and meetings.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gained attention last year. In June, he dismissed 17 members of a vaccine advisory committee. He appointed new members who share his vaccine skepticism.

On June 15, 2026, the Trump administration called for an expedited appeal. This was in response to a federal ruling affecting vaccine policy moves by Mr. Kennedy. The appeal targets a decision that blocked actions on immunizations against several childhood diseases.

Mr. Kennedy shared on social media that the administration aims to quicken the appeal process. The goal is to allow federal vaccine advisers to meet. They intend to discuss vaccine recommendations before the upcoming flu season.

An ongoing lawsuit involves six medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. They claim Mr. Kennedy’s actions and appointments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are problematic. They argue the changes to the vaccine schedule are “arbitrary and capricious.” Furthermore, the advisors Mr. Kennedy chose reportedly lack the needed qualifications, risking public health.

On March 16, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a temporary block. This halted Mr. Kennedy’s vaccine policies and prevented the committee’s scheduled meetings.

Recently, the administration made moves to revive the committee. Last month, President Trump signed an executive order. It urged the C.D.C. and the vaccine committee to align childhood vaccination recommendations with peer nations. Concurrently, Mr. Kennedy’s office reestablished the committee’s charter.