Layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are impacting vaccination efforts in North Texas, forcing the cancellation of dozens of community clinics, officials say.
Dallas County Health Director Dr. Philip Huang said his department relies on federal funding from HHS to staff vaccination clinics. Due to recent budget cuts, his office is canceling 50 planned community vaccination events over the next year, including measles clinics at local schools.
The cuts come as Texas reports 22 new measles cases, bringing the total to 422 amid an ongoing outbreak. Health officials warn that reduced access to vaccines could further strain efforts to contain the disease.
It remains unclear whether additional funding will be made available to restore the canceled clinics.
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