Commissioners table Covid vaccine grant after speakers raise concerns
Jan. 25—A $75,000 grant to assist with the county's vaccine program was tabled by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners last week after several citizens protested the idea of accepting any money that would bolster vaccines.
Haywood County Health and Human Services was awarded the $75,00 grant to coordinate and expand its vaccine program. What was initially slated as a routine, procedural vote by county commissioners to accept the funding took a different turn, however.
Several commissioners had received calls about the vaccine grant prior to last week's county meeting, and four individuals came forward during public comments — calling on commissioners not to accept the money.
"I'm pleading with you to not take any more money to promote the Covid vaccine," said Haywood County Republican County Chairwoman Kay Miller. "Many spoke out early on the dangers, and now even the CDC is reporting a connection to heart issue and strokes, particularly in a lot of athletes. Please stop the nonsense."
Commissioner Brandon Rogers said he spoke with individuals who had concerns, and said he had questions, too. He asked whether approving the grant was time-sensitive. After conferring with the public health director, County Manager Bryant Morehead said it would not be a problem to postpone action, something the board decided to do.
The budget ordinance amendment provided a breakdown on how the funding would be used. All but $5,000, which was earmarked for special program materials, was to be spent on salaries and benefits for county health department workers.
Those speaking at the meeting wanted nothing to do with the funding. Among them was Janet Presson, a registered nurse and vocal critic of masks and vaccines. Presson said there is good reason for vaccine hesitancy, and the county shouldn't take money to try to convince people otherwise.
"The way to fix that is by having vaccines that are safe and effective," she said, calling for more transparency.
Presson said she has repeatedly asked the county health and human services department for statistics on vaccines, including the number of injuries and deaths, but has received nothing. She asked the county to say no to the grant.
"This will be $75,000 for more injuries and death," she said.
Renee Rickman said concerns about the vaccine continue to surface, and it is unknown what the effects it will have 10 to 20 years from now, while Barry Peppen linked the vaccine to pilots that no longer have normal EKGs and potentially harm the human reproductive system.
Help with research
Public health officials said they will be glad to answer questions about the Covid vaccine and how the grant funding would be put to use in Haywood County.
"We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our entire community and acknowledge that vaccine hesitancy is complex. We are always willing and available to discuss all of the available studies, data and experiences to help people truly understand this complex issue and make an informed decision that is best for them," said Public Health Director Sarah Henderson.
Henderson shared the following stats for Haywood County:
—More than 38,000 (61%) residents have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine.
—More than 36,000 (58%) have completed their primary series.
Henderson also clarified what the grant would go toward.
"This funding was not allocated to purchase vaccine but rather to increase equity and access to Covid-19 vaccines for those who choose to be vaccinated. We know that immunizations are our best defense against vaccine preventable diseases, including COVID-19," Henderson said.
