In a recent session, the West Virginia House of Delegates debated amendments to Senate Bill 460, which deals with exemptions for the state’s school-age compulsory immunization program. After nearly two hours of discussion, the House approved a strike-and-insert amendment from the House Health and Human Resources Committee, which relaxed the medical exemption policy.
Del. David Green successfully offered an amendment that reinstated religious exemptions to the bill, allowing parents to submit a written statement of exemption to school administrators or childcare centers. This move was met with support from lawmakers who emphasized the importance of religious freedom. However, opponents expressed concerns about weakening vaccine requirements and the potential risks to public health.
Former state health officers also urged lawmakers not to pass a bill that included non-medical exemptions, emphasizing the importance of protecting children, families, and communities. Despite the debate, the Green amendment was adopted, allowing for religious exemptions and giving private or parochial schools the option to set their own policies regarding immunizations.
The House is set to vote on SB 460 on Monday, which includes various provisions related to immunization requirements. The outcome of this bill will have far-reaching implications for the state’s vaccination policies and the protection of public health in West Virginia.
For more information, contact Steven Allen Adams at sadams@newsandsentinel.com.
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