Southwest District Health in Idaho has stopped providing COVID-19 vaccines to residents in six counties following a narrow decision by its board. This decision appears to be the first of its kind in the nation, with vaccinations being a crucial function of a public health department. While some states have taken actions such as banning health departments from promoting the vaccine, there has not been a full-scale government block of COVID vaccines anywhere else.
The demand for COVID vaccines in the Southwest District Health has significantly declined, with a mere 64 vaccines administered in 2024, compared to 1,601 in 2021. The health district covers three counties in the Boise metropolitan area and is also experiencing a decline in demand for other vaccines. This comes as Idaho has the highest childhood vaccination exemption rate in the nation and dealt with a measles outbreak last year. Despite the medical director’s testimony to the necessity of the COVID vaccine, the board voted 4-3 in favor of the ban.
The decision to stop offering vaccines was prompted by more than 290 public comments at the meeting, many of which called for an end to vaccine mandates and taxpayer funding, neither of which were actually happening in the district. Some of the voices arguing for the ban included individuals who are known for their anti-COVID vaccine stance. The board chair, Kelly Aberasturi, supported the decision but expressed disappointment, feeling that the board had overstepped the relationship between patients and their doctors by preventing the health department from offering vaccines.
Board members in favor of the decision argued that people have other options to get vaccinated, and providing the shots would imply endorsing their safety. However, the individuals who relied on the health department for vaccinations, such as those who are homeless or homebound, had limited access to other options. State health officials have stated that they recommend people consider the COVID-19 vaccine, and the Idaho health department continues to make vaccines available at community health centers for uninsured individuals.
Aberasturi plans to propose at the next board meeting that the health department at least be allowed to vaccinate older patients and residents of long-term care facilities. He believes the board should be focused on the health and well-being of the district’s residents and feels that the decision to ban vaccines was not thoroughly researched. Despite this controversial decision, it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding COVID vaccines and the importance of ensuring equal access to vaccinations for all individuals.
