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Published on January 09, 2025
Battle Lines Redrawn: Texas AG Ken Paxton Undeterred in Legal Showdown Against Pfizer Over COVID Vaccine ClaimsSource: Wikipedia/Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Attorney General Ken Paxton is doubling down on his legal battle with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc., pushing forward with an appeal after a federal district judge tossed out his lawsuit alleging the company made false claims about its COVID-19 vaccine. Paxton filed a notice of appeal today, resolute in his contention that Pfizer not only misrepresented the safety and efficacy of its vaccine but also engaged in censorship by collaborating with social media platforms to silence criticism.

The controversial suit initiated by Paxton in November 2023 accused Pfizer of deceiving America's consumers, claiming that the pharmaceutical company conspired to label posts sharing legitimate concerns about the vaccine as "misinformation." Despite these severe allegations, the case was dismissed in December 2024, when a judge ruled that Pfizer was effectively shielded by the federal government under the Public Readiness and Emergency Act, which grants certain protections to companies during public health crises. Nonetheless, Paxton refuses to back down, citing his duty to protect consumers and uphold truth in public health discourse.

“Pfizer repeatedly and knowingly misrepresented the effectiveness and safety of their COVID-19 vaccine and pressured Americans to take the shot without full knowledge of the risks," Paxton stated. “When consumers questioned the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, Pfizer sought to silence them—prioritizing profits over the truth. I will not stop until Pfizer is held accountable for deceptively pushing its COVID-19 vaccine on consumers.” This quote was obtained from the Texas Attorney General's official release on the ongoing legal dispute.

Implications for free speech and public trust in health institutions further heighten the stakes of this unfolding legal drama. Paxton's efforts raise critical questions on the balance between corporate responsibility, government protections, and the right to critique. The court filings are available on the Texas Attorney General's website for those interested in reviewing them.