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Video: We Are CHD
April 29, 2025

Vaccine Exemptions in West Virginia

 

The West Virginia law — W. Va. Code R. § 64-95-16 allows  for medical exemptions to mandatory school vaccinations, but it has not allowed religious or philosophical exemptions. However, Governor Patrick Morrisey issued an executive order  in January 2025 allowing for religious exemptions, according to the WV Bureau for Public Health. 

Medical Exemptions:
  • Medical Exemption is an exception to compulsory school immunization laws, based upon a medical condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all 50 states allow school children to be exempted from vaccination requirements for medical reasons.
  • A medical exemption can be obtained by a child’s doctor providing medical documentation to the State Immunization Officer stating which vaccine(s) are being requested for exemption, the medical reason for the contraindication, and whether the exemption is temporary or permanent.
  • The state immunization officer reviews the request and either approves or denies it.
  • Temporary exemptions are limited to a maximum of 24 months.
  • Request for medical exemption for compulsory immunization form
Religious Exemptions:
  • In January 2025, Governor Morrisey signed an executive order allowing for religious exemptions to mandatory school vaccinations.
  • Parents or guardians can request a religious exemption by sending a letter to [email protected].
  • The letter should include the student’s name, the parent/guardian’s name, the name of the school, and the mailing address of the parent/guardian. The written statement from the parent(s) stating they object to vaccination based on religious beliefs, signed and dated.
  • You are NOT required to explain why your religious beliefs go against vaccination.
Important To Note:
  • West Virginia is currently one of a small number of states that does not allow non-medical exemptions for school vaccine requirements. 
  • Legislation to expand vaccine exemptions has been debated in the state legislature, but has not been successful. 
  • WV Bureau for Public Health says it will continue to abide by the executive order allowing religious exemptions, even though a bill to codify them was rejected.