Doctors Sue U.S. Government Over COVID Vaccine Policy Shift

A coalition of America’s most respected medical and public health organizations has filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., challenging a controversial decision to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for most children and pregnant women.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Boston by groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, the American College of Physicians, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. They were joined by the Massachusetts Public Health Association, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and an unnamed pregnant physician who works in a hospital.

Until recently, U.S. health officials encouraged annual COVID-19 shots for everyone aged six months and older. That guidance reflected advice from infectious disease experts who had spent years studying the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. But in late May, Secretary Kennedy announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children and pregnant women.

The decision has sparked alarm across the medical community. Many health leaders argue that the move could lead to confusion among parents and patients and potentially put vulnerable groups at risk. Critics also say the process bypassed the long-established scientific review system, which requires experts to publicly examine medical evidence before making significant policy changes.

“This administration is an existential threat to vaccination in America,” said Richard H. Hughes IV, the lead attorney representing the plaintiffs. “If left unchecked, Secretary Kennedy will accomplish his goal of ridding the United States of vaccines, which would unleash a wave of preventable harm on our nation’s children.”

The lawsuit claims that Kennedy and other political appointees ignored federal procedures and deliberately misled the public about the vaccines’ importance and safety. As of now, HHS officials have not issued a comment on the legal action.

Public health advocates say this case could have far-reaching consequences for how future vaccination policies are shaped. For now, doctors and scientists are urging families to stay informed and talk to their healthcare providers about the benefits and risks of COVID-19 vaccination, especially for young children and expectant mothers.