TIME100 Health: Susan Kressly | TIME

A significant divergence in public health guidance has emerged regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children. Following an announcement by U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. That healthy children would no longer be advised to receive the COVID vaccine, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued its own recommendations advocating for the shots for all children under 2.

A Break with Tradition

This marks the first time in 30 years that the AAP has released vaccine recommendations that substantially differ from those of the U.S. Government. The AAP, representing 67,000 pediatricians, has historically aligned its guidance with federal health agencies.

Did You Know? The American Academy of Pediatrics represents 67,000 pediatricians across the United States.

Leadership and Legal Challenges

Dr. Susan Kressly, the 2025 president of the AAP, has taken a firm stance on health policies perceived as detrimental to children, and families. She stated, “We felt that we had no choice but to act, because if we didn’t stand up to protect the health of children, who would?”

Under Dr. Kressly’s leadership, the AAP has initiated legal action against HHS and Secretary Kennedy twice in 2025. The first lawsuit challenged the changes to the COVID vaccine policy and Kennedy’s decisions regarding the composition of a key federal vaccine advisory panel. The second lawsuit contests HHS’s decision to reduce federal grant funding to the AAP.

Expert Insight: The AAP’s decision to pursue legal action signals a deep concern about the potential impact of the altered vaccine guidance on children’s health and underscores a willingness to directly challenge federal policy when the organization believes We see necessary to protect its members’ patients.

Both of these lawsuits are currently ongoing.

What Could Happen Next

The outcomes of the ongoing lawsuits could significantly shape future vaccination policy. If the AAP prevails, the HHS may be compelled to reinstate the previous vaccine recommendations or face further legal challenges. Conversely, a ruling in favor of HHS could reinforce the new guidance and potentially limit the AAP’s ability to influence federal health policy. It is also possible that a compromise could be reached outside of court, leading to revised recommendations that address the concerns of both parties. The situation could also lead to increased public confusion regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children, potentially impacting vaccination rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What action did HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Take?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Announced that healthy children would no longer be advised to receive the COVID vaccine.

How did the AAP respond to the HHS announcement?

The AAP released its own vaccine guidance recommending the COVID shots for all children under 2.

What legal actions has the AAP taken?

The AAP sued HHS and Secretary Kennedy twice in 2025: once over the changes to COVID vaccine policy and the composition of a federal advisory panel, and again over cuts to federal grants.

How might differing guidance from leading health organizations impact public trust in vaccination recommendations?