Joanne Shofner for Texans has used social media to highlight legislative efforts concerning House Bill 84, which seeks to allow over-the-counter access to Ivermectin in Texas. In a post dated July 21, 2025, Shofner wrote, “First day of special session! We are asking the Governor to add HB 84, Ivermectin over the counter. 7000 signatures delivered to his office! @TXforVaxChoice @GregAbbott_TX https://t.co/qCkLCjWYXd”
On July 23, 2025, Shofner reported on the bill’s progress: “It passed out of committee!! Billions of taxpayer dollars are payed to the lobby and lots of times advocating against the will of Texans! This has to finally stop! https://t.co/X55vVDNJUT”
A subsequent post on July 24, 2025 emphasized perceived support from within the pharmacy community. Shofner stated, “Another reason why HB 84, allowing Ivermectin OTC, is so important for special session!! Someone tell this pharmacist that the Texas Pharmacy Association supports this bill! @TXforVaxChoice @GregAbbott_TX https://t.co/enYAPGUGh9”
House Bill 84 is being discussed during a Texas legislative special session in mid-2025. The bill proposes making Ivermectin available without a prescription in Texas pharmacies. Supporters have gathered thousands of signatures urging Governor Greg Abbott to include the measure in the session’s agenda.
The debate around Ivermectin has been ongoing since early in the COVID-19 pandemic when some groups advocated its use as a treatment despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy for that purpose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Ivermectin for treating or preventing COVID-19 and has warned about potential safety risks when using it outside its intended applications.
Shofner’s advocacy aligns with broader movements questioning pharmaceutical regulations and vaccine mandates in Texas. The involvement of organizations such as TXforVaxChoice reflects ongoing tensions between regulatory authorities and segments of the public seeking greater autonomy over medical decisions.
