Idaho Health Department Banned from Administering COVID-19 Vaccines Amid Rising Vaccine Exemptions
Southwest District Health in Idaho has stopped providing Covid-19 vaccines to residents in six counties following a 4-3 vote by its board, despite the pleas of the department’s medical director and protests from residents. This appears to be the first ban of its kind in the US. The ban comes despite the vaccine’s necessity and amidst dropping vaccine rates in the area. A surge in public anti-vaccine sentiments and local protests, along with the argument that people can get vaccinated elsewhere, led to the board’s decision. The board’s move has resulted in a lack of vaccination options for people without housing, the homebound, and residents in long-term care facilities or in the immigration process.
John Q. Hosedrinker