In Victory for Science, Public Health and Democracy, Court Blocks RFK Jr. Attempt to Weaken Vaccine Schedule

WASHINGTON-Earlier today, a federal judge blocked Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s attempt to weaken the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule, ruling that his actions were likely illegal and that officials bypassed required scientific priorities and sidelined independent experts who have guided U.S. vaccine policy for decades.

Below is a statement from Dr. Jennifer Jones, the director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS):

"Today's court decision is a victory for science, public health and democracy. The ruling underscores that evidence, expertise, and transparent scientific processes are imperative parts of public health decisions. The ruling is a recognition of what we have long known to be true-that when leaders abandon scientific knowledge and sideline experts, they put children at risk.

"This is being proven by the ongoing measles outbreak across dozens of states-the largest number of cases in 35 years that shows no signs of slowing for a disease declared eliminated in the United States decades ago. More than ever, our communities need access to credible vaccine guidelines, not lies and disinformation meant to confuse parents and families.

"The ruling shows that political appointees like RFK Jr. are not free to advance pseudoscience for their personal agenda. The country's system of democracy must stand strong amid consistent efforts by the Trump administration to implement unilateral rule.

"Evidence still matters and attempts to undermine it should and will be challenged. Independent scientific expertise must be restored to public health policymaking to ensure decisions affection millions of children are grounded in the best available evidence."