Gov. Greg Abbott issued an Wednesday prohibiting government entities from requiring people to get any type of COVID-19 vaccine, even those with full FDA approval.
In July, the governor issued an order prohibiting government entities from requiring COVID-19 vaccines that were approved under an emergency use authorization. At the time, all COVID-19 vaccines approved in the U.S. fell under that category.
But on Monday, the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, opening the door for cities, counties, school districts and public universities in Texas to issue vaccine mandates.
Abbott’s new order closes that door once more. The governor did not provide a reason why the fully approved COVID-19 vaccine is different from other fully approved vaccines local governments .
The new restriction doesn’t apply to private companies, which can still require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Abbott also added to the special legislative session agenda the issue of whether state or local government agencies can require people to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and what exemptions should apply.
“Vaccine requirements and exemptions have historically been determined by the legislature, and their involvement is particularly important to avoid a patchwork of vaccine mandates across Texas,� Abbott said in a .
