West Virginia is one of the two states that only offer a medical exemption for immunization. The parent or legal guardian of the child they wish to exempt from vaccination must have a physician complete and sign the medical exemption form stating why your child should not be vaccinated (i.e. allergic reactions). Submit the form to the local County Health Department. They will approve, deny, or ask for additional information to process the request. If a physician signs a medical exemption form it is this form that you give to the daycare or school. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, Immunization Program can be contacted at 304-558-2188.
Doctors’ of Chiropractic and Osteopathy are considered “Physicians” in West Virginia and can sign a medical exemption form. However, the state department will reject the form. Even if a medical doctor signs the exemption form, the state department will most likely reject it. The only way around this is to challenge the law.
If you experience harassment from either the county or state health department for your decision on not to have your child vaccinated, please contact us at info@ExemptMyChild.com Remember: It is your choice to not have your child vaccinated. This is a right that must not be violated by public health officials.
