Bill > HB3489

This bill modifies West Virginia's existing law on childhood immunizations by making several key changes. The bill replaces references to the "commissioner" with "State Health Officer" throughout the text and specifically applies immunization requirements to public schools and state-regulated child care centers. It requires children entering these institutions to be immunized against ten specific diseases, including chickenpox, hepatitis-b, measles, and others. The bill introduces a new provision allowing children to be exempted from mandatory vaccinations if a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner provides a written statement that certain immunizations may be detrimental to the child's health. Importantly, the bill protects healthcare providers who issue such exemption letters from professional disciplinary actions or penalties. The bill also maintains that county health departments will provide vaccines free of charge to children of parents who cannot afford or access them elsewhere. Additionally, the bill removes several existing provisions related to exemption processes, such as the role of an Immunization Officer and specific appeal procedures for vaccination exemptions. Overall, the bill aims to streamline vaccination requirements while providing more flexibility for medical exemptions.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3489&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill