Health board discusses COVID vaccines

Sanders County Health Nurse Debbie Lang reported at last week’s Board of Health meeting that the county will no longer be administering COVID vaccines. “This is for safety reasons,” Lang told the board and community members at last Wednesday’s meeting.

During public comment, Mindy Ferrell from Trout Creek voiced her concern about COVID vaccine availability. She was against the county ending this service because she feels that there are not enough options for people who cannot make the trip to Missoula or other distances to get vaccinated. Public Health Officer Ron Petrie explained why this decision was made. “Informed consent forms are not an accurate document to keep lawsuits from happening. The bi-variant vaccines have not been tested on humans,” he said. “People can have a bad reaction to them. We do not want the nurse to have to go to court.” Petrie added that the last two products have only been tested on mice. “If people want the vaccine they should see their health care provider who knows their history and whether or not they could have a serious reaction to the shot,” he concluded.

Tina Scott with the county environmental health department commented that the majority of people who have shown up for flu vaccines at the drive-up tents have stated that they do not want a COVID shot. “Only 17% of Americans have chosen to get vaccinated with this new variant,” Petrie added.

Lang also gave an update on the availability of flu vaccines. Public Health staff has conducted drive-through clinics throughout the county, and vaccines are available at schools and Costner Medical Clinic in Plains. Lang said there will be a billboard posted on the edge of town advertising a safety event regarding car accidents and deaths. A quiz on in service learning can be taken. Winners will receive a gas card that will be given out quarterly. The Tobacco Prevention specialist Karren Mckenzie will be coordinating tobacco and vaping education in the schools. The health department also will soon conduct car seat inspections. Also, Lang said the courthouse will have AEDs on each floor with training on how to use them.

Other items on the agenda included the new hire for County Sanitarian. Jeremy Leavitt from Yakima, Washington, will be starting sometime this fall or winter. Pepper Dorscher resigned as a member of the Board of Health and the county will accept applications for Doscher’s position as well as two other board positions up for renewal. These are five-year terms and interested applicants may visit co.sanders.mt. us for more information.