Southwest District Health, a regional public health department in Idaho, has stopped providing COVID-19 vaccines to residents across six counties following a narrow vote by its board, marking an unprecedented step in the U.S. Public health departments typically consider vaccinations a core function, yet this decision has put Southwest District Health in a unique position nationally.
The board’s 4-3 decision overruled the testimony of Dr. Perry Jansen, the health department’s medical director, who argued for continuing the vaccine program as a measured health intervention.
Dr. Jansen emphasized the department’s approach as mindful of risk and benefit, not a blanket mandate. However, a surge of public comments opposed the vaccines, citing concerns over mandates and taxpayer funding, though neither issue applied directly to this district.
Board Chairman Kelly Aberasturi, who expressed skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccine and broader public health guidance, voiced disappointment in the vote, though he supported the intent to protect patient choice.
He suggested that the decision could set a precedent for restricting access to other vaccines and treatments. Some board members contended that residents could find vaccines elsewhere, but Dr. Jansen highlighted that vulnerable populations—such as people who are homeless, homebound, or in long-term care—would likely struggle to access them without the health department’s support.
Idaho state health officials have refrained from commenting directly on the decision, instead reiterating a general recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccinations remain available through community health centers for uninsured individuals, yet the decision leaves some of the district’s most vulnerable residents without a convenient option.
Aberasturi has indicated plans to ask the board to allow COVID-19 vaccines at least for older and long-term care patients in the future, stressing that the board’s mandate is to support residents’ health and well-being.