San Juan County Board of Health endorses West Coast Health Alliance vaccine guidance

Council member Paulson moved that the San Juan County Board of Health issue a letter of support for the West Coast Health Alliance’s respiratory vaccine guidance and the motion passed by voice vote.

The letter endorses the Alliance’s regional approach and emphasizes reliance on clinical organizations. Council member Paulson said the draft was intended to “affirm the recommendations of the West Coast Health Alliance and those industry professional groups” rather than the more limited federal guidance. Dr. Harley, speaking for the county health department, told the board that she supports local officials backing recommendations “from national medical organizations that continue to be science based,” saying departures from evidence-based vaccine science at the federal level have made local alignment important.

Board members discussed minor wordsmithing changes proposed by Dr. Harley but agreed the letter’s substance was settled. Chair Fuller and others suggested routing the final version on county letterhead, adding signatures and circulating it to the West Coast Health Alliance and state contacts. The board approved issuing the letter and instructed staff to finalize wording and distribute the letter through standard e-signature channels.

The action was procedural: the board approved issuance of the letter and did not adopt binding policy changes. Staff said they would add communications support and consider a press release to amplify the statement once the letter is finalized.