On October 22, the board of the Southwest District Health Division in Idaho narrowly voted to end the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines at district clinics because of so-called “safety” concerns. According to a representative for the National Association of County and City Health Officials, this is the first time that a health department in the United States has restricted the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Notably, multiple prominent anti-vaccine activists spoke at the meeting, including a discredited physician best known for promoting anti-vaccine myths and a health care worker who popularized the “Died Suddenly” conspiracy theory. A board chairman argued that the board overstepped and could be opening the door to similar restrictions on other vaccines and medical treatments. Although residents will still be able to get COVID-19 vaccines from pharmacies and clinics not affiliated with the health department, much of this region is rural and will be impacted by the restriction. Vaccine opponents celebrated Idaho for “leading the way” in opposing COVID-19 vaccines.
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