Idaho Southwest District Health reportedly is the first health department in the United States to be restricted from giving COVID-19 vaccines. Normally, vaccinations are an essential function of a public health department.

A narrow decision by its board forbids the regional public health department from providing vaccines in six Idaho counties, even though Dr. Perry Jansen, Idaho Southwest District Health medical director, testified to the necessity of offering the vaccine.

Idaho state health officials also said they “recommend that people consider the COVID-19 vaccine,” and noted that COVID-19 vaccines are still available at community health centers for people who are uninsured.

In correlation, Idaho also has the highest childhood vaccination exemption rate in the U.S. Last year, the Southwest District Health Department rushed to contain a rare measles outbreak in the region that sickened 10 unvaccinated people.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released updated guidance on indoor air quality (IAQ) strategies for preventing the spread of common respiratory viruses in homes, schools, offices, and commercial buildings. EPA’s updated guidance reflects the latest IAQ science strategies and recent ventilation recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“This updated guidance will be a valuable tool in protecting against the spread of common airborne respiratory viruses indoors, where we spend about 90% of our time,” said Joseph Goffman EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation assistant administrator. “In addition to immunizations, handwashing, and other key preventive measures, taking action to promote healthier indoor air helps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses indoors.”

The updated guidance outlines how to implement ventilation strategies, such as opening doors and windows, as part of a multi-layered approach to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses indoors. The approach includes filtration improvements, such as upgrading the filter in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; using a portable air cleaner; running fans to circulate air indoors; and operating exhaust, window, and attic fans to further reduce the amount of virus particles in the air. 

This multi-layered approach addresses the use of air treatment technologies, administrative controls, and cleaning and disinfection practices. The updated guidance also outlines specific strategies and considerations for public indoor spaces, such as schools, offices, and commercial buildings.

View EPA’s updated guidance and learn more:

• Ventilation and Respiratory Viruses
• Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Viruses in Public Indoor Spaces