COVID vaccine safety and efficacy endorsed by Chelan-Douglas Health Board

Coronavirus vaccines will continue to be made available through the Chelan-Douglas Health District clinic, as the two-county health board has rejected a request by one of its board members to cease giving the drug until its safety and efficacy can be determined.

Health Board member Bill Sullivan made the recommendation that started a more than three hour discussion on the benefits of the vaccine. The health board took testimony from dozens of people on Tuesday.

"This is a technology that has absolutely proven dangerous," said Dr. Renata Moon, a practicing pediatrician in Spokane. "We have clearly documented fatalities from this shot. We have no long term studies. There was no emergency for COVID for children. There is certainly no emergency now."

"Our model of medicine is based on understanding the value of administering a medication, including vaccinations, outweighing the chance of side effects or harm," Zo Jaspers, a resident of Douglas County told the health board. "When it comes to public policy, especially as it comes to our public health, you must make decisions that are evidence based; based in replicable fact not in mere opinion."

Chelan-Douglas Health District Health Officer Dr. James Wallace reported there have been increases in COVID 19 in the past three to four weeks. He says more patients have been admitted to Central Washington Hospital than we did in all of August.

"Internally also shows an increase in urgent care emergency department visits," shared Dr. Wallace. "Those cases are most found in ages 0-6 months and then 65 years of age and older."

"We need to use the best, most up to date scientific evidence," Dr. Wallace added. "The scientific evidence I've had at my disposal and that I've reviewed suggest to me that COVID-19 vaccine reduce risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death. And that the severe events from COVID-19 vaccine are rare."

The vaccine is available at the Chelan-Douglas Health District clinic and at physician s offices and pharmacies throughout North Central Washington.

View the Chelan-Douglas Health District website here.