This bill proposes the addition of a new article to the Code of West Virginia, specifically focusing on a study of health outcomes among vaccinated and unvaccinated pediatric populations. The Secretary of the Department of Health is tasked with conducting a retrospective, longitudinal analysis using existing state-held datasets to compare health outcomes between children who received vaccinations according to the recommended schedule and those who received no or fewer vaccinations. The study aims to evaluate associations between vaccination status and various chronic health conditions, utilizing data from sources such as Medicaid claims, immunization registries, and hospital discharge records.

The bill outlines specific requirements for the study, including the need for clear identification of limitations and safeguards to protect individual privacy and comply with existing laws. It mandates that the Secretary submit a comprehensive report detailing the study's findings, methodology, and recommendations to key state officials within eight months of the article's effective date. Additionally, the Secretary is granted the authority to promulgate necessary legislative rules to implement the article. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and rigorous data analysis in strengthening public confidence in health policy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6, 16-67-7