The bill that weakens West Virginia’s vaccination rules and put the State’s children at risk is on Governor Justice’s desk awaiting his signature or his veto. The Governor has indicated he has not made up his mind on which direction to take. He has been bombarded by concerned voters and the West Virginia Chapter of the American Pediatrics’ Association.
While the Senate removed the provision where a parent could do a letter stating a religious exemption and that would suffice to exempt the student,, parochial schools students can still opt out individually or as an entire school.
According to Metro News, the only disease which has been eradicated is small pox. Measles cases have been reported as close as Ohio. There was a polio case in New York this summer and the death of a man who has spent 70 years in his life in an iron lung because of childhood polio should serve as an onororous reminder that these diseases can come back with a vengeance if vaccinated students don’t provide a herd immunity.
Last year, 700,000 deaths occurred from communicable diseases that could have been prevented had the child been vaccinated.
It’s not too late, call or e-mail Governor Justice today and make your opposition to HB 5105 known.
