During the June meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE), members voted unanimously to comply with state law regarding required school immunizations as it is written in W. Va. Code §16-3-4.
The WVBE directed the State Superintendent of Schools to notify all school districts to follow the law that has been in effect since 1937. This is in line with the actions of the West Virginia Legislature during the 2025 Regular Session which did not vote in favor of religious exemptions for vaccines.
The intent of the State Board is to do what is best for the 241,000 children, 23,000 educators, and 15,000 service personnel in our 629 public schools. This includes taking the important steps of protecting the school community from the real risk of exposure to litigation that could result from not following vaccination laws.
This Board is constitutionally bound to provide a thorough and efficient system of free schools, and our members remain committed to this charge.
