Revising requirements and process for compulsory immunization exemptions

SB 289 amends West Virginia's school immunization law to expand exemption options for required vaccines (chickenpox, hepatitis-B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus, and whooping cough). It adds religious and philosophical exemptions for parents/guardians to cite as reasons for not vaccinating schoolchildren or childcare attendees, while eliminating the requirement for a State Immunization Officer and removing reporting obligations for schools. The bill also permits medical exemptions based on physician certification, as previously allowed, and allows individuals harmed by violations to seek court-ordered relief. These changes directly affect students entering West Virginia schools or state-regulated childcare centers.