Texas Prohibits Promotion Of COVID Vaccines, Doctors Disapprove

COVID-19 is still a disease that affects many in the state of Texas.

At the time of writing, multiple cases have been reported in the Lone Star State. Doctors across the Lone Star State have encouraged many their COVID vaccines to prevent severe symptoms, or even stopped the disease itself. Many in the state have seen advertisements, or read something that suggests getting it.

Recently however, Texas doctors have voiced concerns about a new limitation in the state budget. It affects how one hears about COVID vaccines. Residents in the state may soon not see anything regarding encouragement of getting the vaccine.

But what does the clause in the state budget entail? Here's what it means.

Rider 40, And How It Affects The Promotion Of COVID Vaccines

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the stipulation was made official in September of 2023. As per the Texas Department Health and Human Services, this is the wording of Rider 40:

"None of the General Revenue funds appropriated to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) may be used for the purposes of promoting or advertising COVID-19 vaccinations in the 2024-2025 biennium. It is also the intent of the legislature that to the extent allowed by federal law, any federal funds allocated to DSHS shall be expended for activities other than promoting or advertising COVID-19 vaccinations."

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Medical professionals in the state have not approved of this change in budget. A professor of Law and Medicine At Texas A&M, Dr. William Sage, told the Star-Telegram:

"This particular rider is within Texas' legal and constitutional power to adopt...But I think it's a really bad idea." Sage also added, "Why dictate by law that a whole bunch of useful, accurate information can't be conveyed?"

It is important to note that this new condition does not ban the COVID-19 vaccine itself. In fact, health clinics in the state can hold vaccine clinics for the COVID vaccine, but another vaccine must offered with it.

Do you agree or disagree with the provision? Let us know by sending us a message on our station app.