Southwest District Health, a public health department in Idaho, has been prohibited from administering COVID-19 vaccines in six counties. The board’s 4-3 vote on October 22 cited that vaccinations can be obtained elsewhere, despite the documented safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. With a stark decline in vaccine administration this year, Board Chairman Kelly Aberasturi expressed disappointment, highlighting the impact on vulnerable populations. This decision marks Southwest District Health as the first health department in the U.S. to impose such a ban.
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Le Southwest District Health, un département de santé publique en Idaho, n’est plus autorisé à administrer des vaccins COVID-19 dans six comtés. Le vote de 4-3 du conseil le 22 octobre a cité que les vaccinations pouvaient être obtenues ailleurs, malgré la sécurité et l’efficacité documentées des vaccins. Avec une forte baisse dans l’administration des vaccins cette année, le président du conseil, Kelly Aberasturi, a exprimé sa déception, soulignant l’impact sur les populations vulnérables. Cette décision fait du Southwest District Health le premier département de santé aux États-Unis à imposer une telle interdiction.
Southwest District Health, located in Idaho, has halted its provision of COVID-19 vaccinations to residents across six counties adjacent to the Idaho-Oregon border.
In a meeting held on October 22, the board of the health department made a narrow decision, voting 4-3 to prohibit the administration of the vaccine that protects against COVID-19.
Vaccination rates within the health district, which encompasses three counties in the Boise metro area, have significantly decreased, dropping from 1,601 vaccinations administered in 2021 to just 64 so far this year.
AJ McWhorter, a spokesperson for the Idaho state health department, chose not to comment on the operations of the public health district when approached by The Associated Press (AP). He did mention, however, that community health centers are still offering COVID-19 vaccines to individuals without insurance.
Debate Surrounding the COVID-19 Vaccine Ban
Members of the board who supported the ban contended that residents have access to vaccinations at other locations and that the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines suggested an endorsement of their safety.
Every COVID-19 vaccine currently in use has received either full approval or emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Studies indicate that nearly 20 million lives were saved by these vaccines during their initial year of availability. Nevertheless, skepticism surrounding the vaccines persists, largely fueled by misinformation.
At the October 22 meeting, Dr. Perry Jansen, the medical director of Southwest, advocated for the continued availability of the vaccine.
‘Our request to the board is to be allowed to carry and administer these vaccines, while always considering the discussion of risks and benefits,’ he stated. ‘This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a measured strategy.’
In response, more than 290 public comments during the meeting opposed Dr. Jansen’s request.
Board Chairman Expresses ‘Disappointment’ Over Decision
Chairman Kelly Aberasturi articulated that he supported the board’s decision while also expressing disappointment regarding the outcome.
Aberasturi, who harbors doubts about COVID-19 vaccines and the guidance of national health authorities, remarked that the board has overstepped the boundaries between healthcare providers and patients. He noted that this ruling might pave the way for restricting access to other vaccinations or therapies.
Both Jansen and Aberasturi highlighted that individuals vaccinated through Southwest District Health had limited alternatives. The health department served many vulnerable populations, including the homeless, homebound individuals, those in long-term care, and immigrants.
‘Having experienced homelessness myself, I understand the challenges people face when trying to get by,’ Aberasturi commented. ‘This is where we are meant to step in and provide support.’
He continued, ‘However, we have board members who may not have experienced such hardships, so they lack understanding.’
Aberasturi mentioned his intention to propose at the next board meeting the possibility of allowing Southwest District Health to immunize elderly residents and individuals in long-term care facilities.
Southwest District Health’s Historic Action
The board’s decision marks the first instance in the nation of a health department being restricted from administering COVID-19 vaccines.
‘I am not aware of anything quite like this,’ stated Adriane Casalotti, chief of government and public affairs for the National Association of County and City Health Officials.
She explained that while some health departments have ceased delivering the COVID-19 vaccine due to cost or insufficient demand, this action is unprecedented and not an indictment of the vaccine itself.
Although Texas prohibited health departments from endorsing the vaccine and Florida’s surgeon general has advised against it, the prohibition by Southwest District Health represents a complete ban.
Cet article inclut des informations de l’Associated Press.