Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a sweeping investigation into financial incentives tied to childhood vaccine recommendations.
The probe targets medical providers, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies accused of undisclosed payments. It marks a significant escalation in scrutiny of vaccine practices, and comes as the Trump administration signals major policy shifts on childhood immunizations.
Paxton’s office issued over 20 Civil Investigative Demands to major healthcare players. Recipients include UnitedHealthcare and Pfizer, among other industry giants.
The probe examines whether providers engaged in deceptive conduct by hiding financial motivations.
Texas children currently receive over 70 shots from birth to age 18, according to the investigation.
Some pediatric practices expel unvaccinated patients, the attorney general’s office said, noting that doctors’ compensation often depends on vaccination rates at their clinics.
“I will ensure that Big Pharma and Big Insurance don’t bribe medical providers to pressure parents to jab their kids with vaccines they feel aren’t safe or necessary,” Paxton said.
Paxton pledged to expose any provider “whose medical guidance is fueled by financial incentives from an insurance company, Big Pharma, or otherwise.”
The attorney general aligned his efforts with the Trump administration’s vaccine agenda. He cited Trump and Health Secretary Kennedy’s push for “Gold Standard Science.”
“Together, we will Make America Healthy Again,” Paxton said. “Texans deserve to have full faith in the recommendations of their medical providers — particularly when it involves the health of their children.”
Paxton contrasted Trump’s approach with what he characterized as the Biden administration’s “policy of pushing as many shots into as many arms as possible.”
