Federal judge temporarily blocks RFK Jr.’s vaccine agenda – an epidemiologist answers questions parents may have

The judge’s decision is a win for public health, but the back-and-forth on vaccine policy may undermine the public’s trust in science.

By: Katrine L. Wallace, University of Illinois Chicago, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 20, 2026

Words: 1,010

Last Updated: 19 hours, 16 minutes ago

By Katrine L. Wallace, University of Illinois Chicago

Public health advocates have largely applauded a Massachusetts judge’s ruling on March 16, 2026, to temporarily block major changes to vaccine policy made by the Department of Health and Human Services since 2025.

The ruling pauses two major actions ushered in by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. since he stepped into the role. First, it blocks Kennedy’s restructuring of a key vaccine panel …

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