Texas Cancels Immunization Conference Amid Uncertainty Over CDC Participation
The state of Texas has canceled its biennial immunization conference, scheduled for May, due to uncertainty over how much the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) could participate while under a federal gag order.
Background
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) initially sent out an email announcing the cancellation, stating that it was part of a "pause on mass communications and public appearances" enacted by the state agency itself. However, this language was pulled word-for-word from the federal gag order announcement issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the end of January.
Corrected Announcement
However, DSHS spokesperson Chris Van Deusen clarified that the initial email was sent in error, stating, "We have not paused external communication and are recalling that email." A second announcement was sent out at approximately 2 p.m. clarifying the conference’s cancellation, citing the ongoing federal gag order as the reason.
Reason for Cancellation
The conference, which typically takes place every two years, was scheduled for May 20-22 in Galveston. The DSHS decision to cancel was attributed to the uncertainty surrounding the ability of CDC personnel to participate, with the agency stating, "DSHS decided to cancel this year’s immunization conference because it has traditionally had substantial CDC participation. With current uncertainty about the ability of CDC personnel to participate, we made the difficult decision to cancel the conference for now."
Federal Gag Order
The Trump administration has imposed a gag order on a range of federal health agencies, including the CDC, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and others.
Context
The conference was scheduled to take place amidst growing concern over childhood vaccination rates. While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought vaccines to the forefront of public attention, immunization experts are worried about a nationwide dip in childhood vaccinations such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
Measles Outbreak in West Texas
The state of Texas is currently experiencing a measles outbreak in West Texas, with 24 cases reported as of this week, including six cases among children aged 4 or younger and 16 cases among children aged 5-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the immunization conference canceled?
A: The conference was canceled due to uncertainty over how much the CDC could participate while under a federal gag order.
Q: Was there a pause on mass communications and public appearances by the state agency?
A: No, the initial email announcing the cancellation was sent in error, and the state agency is not under a communication pause.
Q: What is the reason for the federal gag order?
A: The Trump administration has imposed a gag order on a range of federal health agencies, including the CDC, to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
Q: What is the current situation regarding childhood vaccination rates?
A: Immunization experts are concerned about a nationwide dip in childhood vaccinations, including measles, mumps, and rubella, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
