This bill amends West Virginia's Code regarding compulsory immunizations for school children, specifically focusing on the roles of the State Health Officer and the procedures for obtaining exemptions. It replaces the term "commissioner" with "State Health Officer" throughout the relevant section, clarifying that the State Health Officer is responsible for providing parents with information about required immunizations at the time of a child's birth. The bill also specifies that children must be immunized against a list of diseases to be admitted to public schools or state-regulated child care centers, and it outlines the process for obtaining exemptions from these requirements.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that protect licensed healthcare providers who issue written statements for exemptions, ensuring they will not face disciplinary actions or penalties for doing so. It establishes that exemptions can be granted based on a physician's assessment of a child's health, and it mandates that health officers provide vaccination certificates free of charge. The bill aims to streamline the immunization process while ensuring that children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons are still accommodated.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-3-4