Health

Changes to vaccine guidance from the Trump administration has added to confusion amid a seasonal spike in the virus.

Researchers hope data out of Texas will raise awareness about a type of infection commonly spread through kissing bugs. It's part of an effort to recognize Chagas Disease as endemic in the U.S.

The CDC’s immunization advisory committee has ended its recommendation of the combined MMRV vaccine for children under four, a change local health officials say will affect vaccine access after a West Texas measles outbreak that caused two child deaths. Meanwhile, TxDOT is hosting car seat checkup events in Lubbock tomorrow and Saturday to help parents ensure proper fit.

A group of Lubbock-area nonprofits came together earlier this week to discuss how new state laws will impact families and children. Our reporter Samantha Larned, has more from statewide advocacy agency TexProtects on the goals of the new policies. Several other new bills signed by Governor Greg Abbott will go into effect on Dec. 4 and the elimination of the STARR test is expected to be implemented in the 2027-28 school year.

Most of the COVID cases in the U.S. this August were the new Stratus variant. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on the status of COVID-19 cases in Texas. Yesterday, the City of Lubbock cut the ribbon on a new Book Vending Machine at the Patterson Branch Library. Kids who participate in library programs will have the chance to win a token for a free book from the machine.

HB 1592 creates a statewide alert system for risks to wildlife and crops.

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents has officially named Houston Republican Senator Brandon Creighton as the sole finalist for chancellor of the university system. Our Brad Burt has more on Creighton and the decision. Today, community health screenings will be offered at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. And at the Godeke Library, a social worker will be available 1-3 p.m. Looking to this Sunday, Buddy Holly’s 89th Birthday Bash will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Buddy Holly Center at 1801 Crickets Ave.

House Bill 2038 makes it easier for foreign doctors to get licensed in Texas — but not all are allowed.

Almost a year after it closed, Garza County officials say they are finalizing the sale of the Giles W. Dalby Correctional Facility to the state of Texas. Lubbock Public Health has confirmed the presence of both the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus in the area. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the city is urging residents to avoid contact with mosquitos. And after a human case of screwworm was confirmed in the U.S., the Texas Department of State Health Services has launched a resource page on its website.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the next round of COVID-19 vaccines, but is restricting them to people at high risk for COVID complications.