Democratic state AGs announce lawsuit against Trump administration over US vaccine policy

By Dan Levine

NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Two Democratic state attorneys general announced a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday over recent changes to the federal government's childhood vaccine schedule, as medical organizations warn the changes could lower inoculation rates.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has upended longstanding vaccine policies since taking his position.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new immunization schedule removing universal recommendations for vaccines against COVID-19, rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, stating that parents should consult with healthcare providers under what it calls shared clinical decision-making.

The California and Arizona attorneys general said 14 states and Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, all Democrats, would file a complaint in a Northern California federal court on Tuesday challenging those changes.

An HHS spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing litigation and referred to a prior statement saying the CDC's updated vaccine schedule protects children "while aligning U.S. guidance with international norms."

The lawsuit would also challenge Kennedy's replacement of members serving on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Reuters previously reported that the California AG's office was preparing the lawsuit.

That CDC panel is set to meet in March, after its previously scheduled February session was canceled.

The multistate lawsuit would mirror a legal action previously filed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations. A Massachusetts federal judge has not yet decided that case.

In a press conference on Tuesday, California AG Rob Bonta said states suffer unique harms compared to other kinds of plaintiffs.

"California will be forced to expend resources to treat once-rare diseases, to respond to outbreaks and to combat misinformation," Bonta said.

Other states participating in the multistate challenge include Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey and Wisconsin, according to the press release.