Idaho’s current rate of vaccinations is painfully slow and has reached a slump. Amid new emerging variants, the assumptions of a COVID-free society need to be demystified. According to NPR, Idaho is currently in league with the lowest inoculation states.
Idaho has a significant elderly population who are at an elevated risk of hospitalization and severe symptoms. However, Mike Larson, a nurse at the Public Health – Idaho North Central District, said their vaccination drive has been the most successful.
“The 65-plus group is doing much better and is at 75.6%,” Larson said. “The goal is 80% so that we can have herd immunity.”
In Latah County, as of July 4, only 4,827 people above the age of 65 have been fully vaccinated, given the population of 65 and older is 5,651.
Around 85.4% of the county’s high-risk demographic has been inoculated; however, the other demographics seem to lag. Among the 12 and above demographic, 49% of the populous is fully vaccinated in Latah County. The low turnout for the vaccine could be explained by the lack of eagerness demonstrated by the parents and the younger population.
“When you get down to the 12-plus age group, there’s a reluctancy amongst parents,” Larson said. “There might be an increase (in vaccinations) towards the end of summer when going back to school.”
According to the Idaho COVID-19 page, as of July 6, only 668,926 Idahoans have been fully vaccinated. With a population of roughly 1.8 million, that means less than half of the state is fully vaccinated, falling quite short of herd immunity.
“There’s a strong anti-vaccine attitude in Idaho,” Larson said.
University of Idaho Dean of Students Blaine Eckles hopes that the vaccination rates will increase by the time school opens at the end of the summer. While also emphasizing individuals’ freedom of choice, he hopes to educate the campus population on making healthy decisions.
Eckles is optimistic for increasing the vaccination rates as the summer ends to maintain a healthy learning environment.
Michella Chowdhury can be reached at [email protected]