The commissioner charged with approving the well being division’s social media posts says he was “caught up within the second” when he appeased anti-vaccine advocates.
WELD COUNTY, Colo. — When Weld County Commissioners mentioned they’d cease sharing vaccine info on social media pages, they appeased a small group of anti-vaccine advocates. As quickly as the general public caught on concerning the new plan, the commissioner answerable for approving the well being division’s social media posts walked again his feedback.
Commissioner Scott James informed 9NEWS that Weld County will proceed posting details about vaccines on social media, reversing a stance the fee took throughout a Nov. 24 assembly.
“I had made a remark in a public assembly about how I used to be not going to approve any extra Fb posts. I used to be caught up within the second about that specific Fb publish,” mentioned James. “It’s not inside my purview to vary the insurance policies of the board of county commissioners in that method.”
The one three individuals who signed up for public remark throughout that Weld County Board of Commissioners assembly have been anti-vaccine advocates, asking commissioners to cease utilizing county social media pages to publish details about vaccines. The assembly was first reported by the NoCo Optimist.
“I’m sick to dying of those Fb posts that you just guys are placing on promoting this experimental vaccine to our youngsters and adults,” one of many audio system addressing the board mentioned.
“I’ll be sure that any type of publish that entails a COVID vaccine won’t obtain my approval,” James responded minutes later in the course of the board assembly.
Despite the fact that James now says Weld County will proceed utilizing social media to share details about the vaccine, he doesn’t assume it would change any minds. The county used lower than 1 / 4 of a $25,000 grant given to them to market vaccines earlier than deciding they didn’t want to try this as a result of everybody has made up their minds.
“What that $6,000 principally decided is of us in Weld County have made up their minds,” mentioned James. “They know the place to get the vaccinations and know what to do. So subsequently why spend any extra money?”
James mentioned the additional cash from that grant was returned to the well being division. He wasn’t certain what it will likely be used for, however says it won’t be used on advertising and marketing or boosting Fb posts concerning the vaccine.
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“It’s a continuing wrestle to appropriate the report if you’ll about what this vaccine actually does,” mentioned Jake Williams, the CEO of More healthy Colorado, a non-partisan non-profit that’s been working to persuade folks on the fence about getting the vaccine.
Although Weld County commissioners say everybody who will get the vaccine has already made up their thoughts, Colorado’s state information reveals 1000’s of individuals are nonetheless getting their first doses.
Previously week, 20,217 folks acquired their first dose of the vaccine throughout the state, in line with the Colorado Division of Public Well being and Surroundings. In whole, 156,097 Coloradans acquired their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within the final month.
Williams says commissioner’s social media posts are extra essential than they might appear as they proceed to attempt to persuade folks to get vaccinated.
“Native, trusted messengers, the analysis reveals, are the very best messengers. Weld County Commissioners have an amazing alternative to be that trusted messenger,” mentioned Williams.
Weld County commissioners are allowed to see and approve social media posts from the well being division earlier than they’re posted. The final time the Weld County Authorities posted details about the COVID vaccine seems to be to be in the course of November.
Commissioner James helps vaccines, simply not any mandates. He’s not too certain concerning the Fb posts both, however says he’ll nonetheless approve them.
“Will we coerce? No,” mentioned James. “Will we educate and inform? Sure.”
On Wednesday the county put out an announcement on behalf of the commissioners saying that the feedback weren’t made on behalf of the entire board. It is in full beneath.
A latest information story recounted a Weld County Board of Commissioners assembly the place a commissioner, in response to a remark made by a constituent, said he wouldn’t approve any extra COVID info to be printed on Weld County’s social media platforms. The assertion made was not on the route of the complete board and has led to precious dialogue internally concerning the significance of presidency sharing info with the general public and, as all the time, permitting the general public to make their very own knowledgeable selections.
By way of this assertion, the board of commissioners has reiterated their place that details about COVID-19 will proceed to be printed, up to date. and maintained on the Well being Division’s webpages in addition to Weld County’s two social media platforms (Fb @weldcountygovernment and Twitter @weldgov).
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