Fifteen states sue Trump administration over childhood vaccine schedule changes

WASHINGTON. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fifteen states are suing the Trump administration over revisions to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule.

The lawsuit argues the administration illegally changed recommendation procedures for several vaccines and did not follow federal requirements governing how those decisions are made.

At issue is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, commonly known as ACIP. Federal law requires the panel to be “fairly balanced” in its membership.

The plaintiffs allege the administration violated that requirement by replacing certain panelists with individuals they describe as anti-vaccine activists.

The lawsuit, along with many public health experts, contends the revised vaccine schedule could harm children’s health by reducing protections against preventable diseases.

President Donald Trump has defended the changes, calling the updated schedule more “reasonable” and saying it better aligns with policies in some other countries.

The case is expected to move forward in federal court.