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Commissioners approve reduced immunization grant amendment amid public objections
Summary
Park County accepted an amendment reducing FY24–25 immunization funding from about $95,000 to $81,500; the meeting included public objections to government-funded immunization programs and commissioners defended access for underserved residents.
Park County commissioners approved a task order amendment May 27 to accept reduced immunization funding for fiscal year 2024–25. County health department staff said the amendment reduces the annual award by $13,758 to roughly $81,000 and will support school screening, vaccination clinics and related outreach.
Travis Orton, health department director, described the award as funding used for immunization activities including school-based screening and vaccination clinics, coordination with the WIC program and outreach to underserved residents. “We can get essentially almost any vaccine,” Orton said when asked whether the award covers flu, pneumococcal and other routine adult and childhood vaccines.
Public commenters opposed the county’s use of taxpayer funds for immunization programs. Robin Richardson and Sabina Strauss Gardner urged that taxpayer dollars not be used to finance vaccines and framed objections in terms of parental choice. Commissioner Wells urged respect for individual choice and said the program serves underserved people who want vaccines, noting the county offers immunizations to low-income and fixed-income residents. Commissioner Vermaud noted this item was an amendment to an existing award, not a new program, and confirmed the county is receiving a smaller amount than originally awarded.
The board approved the amended task order by voice vote. Commissioners and health staff said the funds are primarily grant funds used to reach residents who lack access to vaccination through private clinics; the amendment reduces available program resources for the year.
