This bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding the compulsory immunization of school children and clarifies the roles of the State Health Officer and the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health. It specifies that the State Health Officer will provide parents with information on required immunizations at the time of a child's birth. The bill mandates that children entering public schools or state-regulated child care centers must be immunized against several diseases, including chickenpox, hepatitis B, and measles, unless they present a certificate from the State Health Officer granting an exemption.

Additionally, the bill introduces a clearer exemption process for vaccinations, allowing licensed medical professionals to provide written statements for exemptions based on health concerns. It also ensures that health officers and physicians must provide vaccination certificates free of charge. The bill removes previous provisions that granted the Commissioner authority over exemption requests and the appointment of an Immunization Officer, transferring these responsibilities to the State Health Officer. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the immunization process while ensuring that health concerns are adequately addressed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-3-4