Massive Shakeup: Is the ACIP Vaccine Panel About to be DISBANDED? Shocking Lawsuit Reveals All!

March 19, 2026

2 min read

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Influential vaccine advisory panel may be ‘disbanded’ after lawsuit, says former vice chair

For years, ACIP has advised U.S. vaccine policy. But after changes to its membership made by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., were challenged in court, the Trump administration is apparently changing tack

By Claire Cameron edited by Jeanna Bryner

Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a pivotal body in U.S. public health policy for over 50 years, faces possible disbandment, according to its former vice chair, Robert Malone. This committee has long been instrumental in shaping the country’s recommended vaccination schedules for both children and adults.

In a recent social media post, Malone indicated that the Trump administration intends to disband and "recreate a new ACIP committee." This drastic maneuver appears to be a response to a lawsuit initiated by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and five other medical organizations. They are contesting the recent appointments of ACIP members made by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr..

A federal judge ruled on March 16, 2026, that Kennedy likely violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) in appointing 13 panelists, which stipulates that advisory bodies must be "fair and balanced." This ruling effectively halted ACIP's activities and has raised questions about the integrity of its current structure.

“Any new iteration of the committee must conform to the laws at issue in our case, including FACA,” stated Richard Hughes, a lead counsel for the AAP. “Anything short of a qualified committee selected through the proper process will meet our challenge.”

Malone further noted that the decision to reformulate the ACIP will likely be swifter than pursuing an appeal. This suggests that the administration aims to avoid a protracted legal battle and its associated public scrutiny. He emphasized that there would be no government action to respond to criticisms leveled against former ACIP members.

As it stands, it is unclear if the Trump administration will contest the judge’s ruling, which also temporarily restrained proposed sweeping changes to the country's vaccine recommendations initiated under Kennedy. An HHS spokesperson previously expressed optimism about the ruling being overturned.

This situation highlights the contentious intersection of public health policy, regulatory standards, and the ongoing debate surrounding vaccination practices in the U.S. The future of ACIP remains uncertain, as does the direction of vaccination policy under the current administration. Health officials and the public alike will be watching closely as this situation develops.

Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.