Health Secretary Seeks Faster Appeal of Ruling Blocking Vaccine Panel
The health secretary filed to expedite an appeal of a court order that halted a federal vaccine advisory panel's work. The panel advises the government on vaccine recommendations and had its decisions frozen by the ruling.
france24.comThe health secretary asked a federal appeals court to speed up review of a lower-court decision that blocked a vaccine advisory panel from meeting or issuing recommendations. The panel provides guidance to federal agencies on vaccine use and schedules.
The lower-court order stopped the panel from convening and prevented any decisions from taking effect. The health secretary stated that the panel's work should resume while the appeal proceeds. The filing seeks to limit the time the panel remains inactive.
Background on the Panel The panel has operated for decades as an independent advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its recommendations influence vaccine policy across federal programs. The lower-court ruling cited concerns about the panel's structure and recent membership changes.
The health secretary's appeal argues those concerns do not justify halting the panel's operations.
