Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has joined a coalition of 15 states filing a lawsuit challenging recent federal changes to the nation’s childhood immunization schedule. The legal action names U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Jay Bhattacharya, along with the CDC and HHS, as defendants.
At the center of the lawsuit is a January 5, 2026 CDC Decision Memo that removed the universally recommended status of seven vaccines that protect against rotavirus, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The complaint also challenges changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the federal panel responsible for guiding vaccine policy.
State officials argue that the revised federal guidance was issued without following established procedures or relying on new scientific evidence. The lawsuit further contends that modifications to ACIP’s membership did not meet statutory requirements governing federal advisory committees.
“Vaccines save lives. Trump and RFK Jr. are risking children’s lives. RFK Jr. is not a doctor. He is not a scientist. His friends are not any more knowledgeable or qualified. MAHA memes are not a reliable or safe source of medical information. We are suing today to protect lives, and to make sure that our nation’s powerful public health guidance follows the law and reflects the facts,” said Attorney General Tong.
Connecticut leaders emphasized that state-level health policies remain unchanged.
“For generations, these vaccinations have successfully limited the spread of contagious diseases, diminished their impacts, and kept the public safe and healthy. There is no legitimate medical rationale for changing this. Modifying this national guidance will just create more confusion and anxiety among parents. It will also place more burdens on doctors and medical professionals, and at worst it will endanger the health of children. Medical decisions need to be determined by science, not conspiracy theories. Here in Connecticut, we will continue to support our medical community and support their recommendations when it comes to protecting public health,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
Public health officials also addressed concerns regarding vaccine safety and availability.
“Public health decisions must be grounded in credible science, established process, and the rule of law – not ideology. Connecticut’s childhood immunization schedule has not changed, and all vaccines remain available. Families should know that the evidence supporting the vaccines long recommended to protect children is sound and supported by multiple medical societies. We will continue to rely on rigorous scientific evidence and trusted medical expertise to guide our policies and protect the health of our residents. Our commitment is, and always will be, to follow the data and do what is in the best interest of Connecticut’s children and communities,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani.
Researchers have estimated that routine childhood vaccinations have prevented hundreds of millions of illnesses nationwide over the past several decades, along with millions of hospitalizations and deaths. The plaintiff states are asking the court to declare the revised immunization schedule and ACIP appointments unlawful.
