The bill introduced on February 21, 2025, seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 16-3-14, which establishes that individuals who have acquired natural immunity or antibodies from an infectious or communicable disease will be considered fully vaccinated. This classification applies regardless of whether these individuals have received a vaccine for the illness before or after contracting it. The bill aims to ensure that those with natural immunity or antibodies are treated equally or preferentially compared to those who have vaccine-induced immunity.

The proposed legal language emphasizes the importance of recognizing natural immunity as a valid form of protection against infectious diseases. By classifying individuals with natural immunity as fully vaccinated, the bill intends to provide them with the same rights and privileges as those who have received vaccinations, thereby promoting equitable treatment in public health policies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-3-14