The Southwest District Health Board of Idaho recently became the first health agency in the U.S. to halt the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across its 30 clinics, following a 4-3 vote.
The decision came after the board received nearly 300 public comments and listened to presentations by physicians who voiced concerns about vaccine safety, including cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough and pathologist Dr. Ryan Cole.
Although the board’s staff physician recommended maintaining the vaccine in clinics, the board ultimately decided against it, citing what they saw as a lack of sufficient safety and efficacy.
Board member Dr. John Tribble, the only physician on the panel, advocated for the vote, reflecting what he described as a community-driven demand for answers on COVID-19 vaccine risks.
The historic vote has sparked discussions within other Idaho health districts and nationally, with some considering similar steps.
Health Freedom Idaho’s Miste Karlfeldt and other supporters view the decision as a local assertion of values against federal vaccine policies. While Idaho residents can still access COVID-19 shots at pharmacies and private clinics, the board’s stance underscores its caution over potential vaccine-related injuries reported in databases like VAERS.
