This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the responsibilities of the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health regarding vaccine safety and reporting. It mandates that medical professionals report all injuries and side effects from vaccines to the Bureau, from which the Commissioner will produce an annual report for the Legislature and make it publicly available on the Public Health website. Additionally, the bill requires that medical professionals who administer vaccines receive educational materials about potential negative side effects and undergo formal training every five years. The Commissioner is also tasked with establishing a mechanism for individuals, including parents, to report any adverse impacts from vaccines.

Furthermore, the bill allows the Commissioner to acquire and hold certain land, which may be related to the Bureau's operations. The overall aim of the legislation is to improve public health oversight and ensure that both medical professionals and the public are informed about the risks associated with vaccines, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of vaccination programs in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-1-6