Bill > HB4168

This bill modifies West Virginia's compulsory childhood immunization requirements by allowing exemptions for specific vaccinations if a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner provides a written statement that the immunization may be detrimental to a child's health or is not appropriate, and these medical professionals will not face disciplinary or other penalties for providing such statements. The bill also updates the title of the state health official responsible for disseminating immunization information from "commissioner" to "State Health Officer" and clarifies that children entering public schools or state-regulated child care centers must be immunized against a list of diseases including chickenpox, hepatitis-b, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus, and whooping cough, unless an exemption is granted. Previously, exemptions were handled by the commissioner and required a physician's certification, but this bill shifts that authority to the medical provider directly, simplifying the exemption process for medical reasons.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4168&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill