Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a multistate lawsuit that challenges changes made by the Trump administration to the federal childhood immunization schedule. The legal action, to be filed today, names Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya, as well as both agencies.
The lawsuit targets a CDC “Decision Memo” issued on January 5, 2026, which removed universal recommendations for seven childhood vaccines: rotavirus, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It also disputes the replacement of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which has guided vaccine policy in the United States for decades.
The complaint argues that over the past thirty years, childhood vaccines have prevented millions of illnesses and deaths among U.S. children. The previous ACIP-established vaccination schedule is credited with these outcomes.
In December 2025, a newly constituted ACIP eliminated its recommendation for a universal hepatitis B birth dose—a move departing from nearly thirty years of CDC policy. Soon after, then-Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill approved further changes that altered recommendations for several other vaccines. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to recommend these vaccines for all children.
According to the lawsuit’s claims, the Decision Memo was not supported by new scientific evidence or systematic data review but instead relied on comparisons with countries like Denmark without considering significant differences between those nations and the United States.
Nessel warned that lower vaccination rates would likely increase infectious diseases in Michigan and elsewhere. This could put additional strain on Medicaid programs and require more resources to address misinformation and update state laws diverging from CDC guidance. She emphasized that “vaccines previously recommended on the CDC’s pre-Kennedy childhood immunization schedule remain safe and effective,” calling them essential for protecting public health.
To maintain clarity in Michigan’s vaccine policy, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian—chief medical executive—issued a standing recommendation advising healthcare providers to follow schedules set by leading medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians.
“Childhood vaccines are proven to save lives, and the overhaul of the nation’s immunization schedule has only sown unnecessary confusion and anxiety for parents who are simply trying to make the best, most informed decision for their children,” said Attorney General Nessel. “While physicians like Michigan’s very own Dr. Bagdasarian are standing up for kids and following evidence-based recommendations, the CDC cannot be permitted to let politics and unlawful appointments interfere with longstanding public health policy. Our children deserve recommendations that are guided by science, and I will continue working to protect Michigan families and ensure that health decisions remain rooted in facts and in the best interests of our communities.”
“For decades, vaccines have played a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and significant reductions in childhood illnesses and fatalities,” said Bagdasarian. “Recommendations were backed by science and guidance to families and clinicians was clear. The recent changes announced by the federal government are causing confusion for families and have contributed to recent declines in vaccination rates. This is hitting some of our communities disproportionately and we have already experienced outbreaks of measles and pertussis in our state. Unless we can increase immunization rates, we will continue to experience outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases, and potentially devastating health impacts.”
The plaintiff states request that courts declare both Kennedy’s vaccine schedule changes—and his ACIP appointments—unlawful.
Other states joining Michigan include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island Wisconsin; Pennsylvania’s governor is also participating.
Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to her official biography. The Michigan Department of Attorney General provides statewide protection through public service initiatives focused on safeguarding residents across Michigan.
