Six Idaho counties will no longer offer the COVID-19 vaccine after a regional health department board banned it.

In a 4-3 decision, Southwest District Health — which covers several counties, including three in the Boise metro area — decided to ban the controversial vaccine, despite concerns from state health officials.

The board made the decision after watching presentations from several doctors accused of spreading conspiracy theories, including Dr. Peter McCollough, a cardiologist whose license was threatened by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2022.

They also heard from Idaho pathologist Dr. Ryan Cole; Dr. Renata Moon, who questioned vaccines before the Senate; and Dr. James Thorp, who appeared in the documentary Died Suddenly, which has since been debunked, according to Boise State Public Radio.

They were invited to speak by the council’s only doctor, Dr John Tribble.

The board also received more than 290 public comments, many of which called for an end to vaccination mandates or taxpayer funding of vaccines, neither of which is in the district.

In a 4-3 decision, Southwest District Health — which covers several counties, including three in the Boise metro area — decided to ban the controversial vaccine, despite concerns from state health officials.

The board made the decision after watching presentations from several doctors accused of spreading conspiracy theories, including Dr. Peter McCollough, a cardiologist whose license was threatened. The speakers were invited by Dr John Tribble (photo)

Dr. Perry Jansen, who works in the district, advocated for the vaccine and its safety, saying, “Our request from the board is that we be able to transport and offer these (vaccines), recognizing that we always have these discussions about risks and benefits.

“This is not a blind approach, where everyone has a chance. It’s a thoughtful approach.

Board President Kelly Aberasturi also expressed disappointment with the decision, but said he supported it.

He said the board overstepped the relationship between patients and their doctors — and may have opened the door to blocking other vaccines or treatments.

“So now you’re telling me I have the right to ignore this doctor?” Because I know more than him? he said, according to Boise State Public Radio.

“It’s about the individual’s right to make that decision for themselves. It’s not up to me to tell them what they will do. Sorry, but it annoys me.

Board member Jennifer Riebe agreed with Aberasturi’s concerns that it won’t stop just with the COVID-19 vaccine and could come down to the board making decisions on each vaccine.

“I’m not comfortable with it,” she said, according to Boise State Public Radio. “Maybe it’s COVID now, maybe we’ll go down the same path with the measles vaccine or shingles vaccine coverage.”

Board members in favor of the decision argued that people can get vaccinated elsewhere and that providing the vaccines was tantamount to certifying their safety.

Some may be reluctant to get vaccinated or vaccinated due to misinformation about vaccines, despite evidence that they are safe and have saved millions of lives.

Dr. Perry Jansen (left), who works in the district, advocated for the vaccine and its safety. And board president Kelly Aberasturi (R) also expressed disappointment with the decision. He said the board overstepped the relationship between patients and their doctors.

However, people who were getting vaccinated at the Department of Health – including people without housing, people confined to their homes and those in long-term care facilities or in the immigration process – n They had no other options, Jansen and Aberasturi said.

“I’ve been homeless throughout my life, so I understand how difficult it can be when you’re trying to get out and move on,” Aberasturi told AP. “This is where we should step in and help.

“But some board members have never been there, so they don’t understand what it’s like.”

State health officials said they “recommend that people consider the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Idaho Health Department spokesperson AJ McWhorter declined to comment on “public health district affairs” to AP, but noted that COVID-19 vaccines are still available at the centers community health services for the uninsured.

Aberasturi said he plans to ask at the next board meeting whether the Health Department could at least be allowed to vaccinate older patients and residents of long-term care facilities.

State health officials said they “recommend that people consider the COVID-19 vaccine.” Vaccines will still be available at community health centers for the uninsured

He believes the council is supposed to care about the “health and well-being” of the neighborhood’s residents.

“I think the way we approached this is we didn’t do our due diligence,” he told AP.

Aberasturi said he plans to ask at the next board meeting whether the Health Department could at least be allowed to vaccinate older patients and residents of long-term care facilities.

He believes the council is supposed to care about the “health and well-being” of the neighborhood’s residents.

“I think the way we approached this is we didn’t do our due diligence,” he told AP.