Exempting students of higher education from compulsory vaccination requirements

SB 609 would exempt West Virginia higher education students at colleges, universities, and vocational schools from mandatory vaccination requirements. Students aged 18+ or their parents/guardians could request exemption by submitting a signed statement objecting to immunizations based on sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill creates a new religious exemption pathway for student vaccinations, replacing current policies requiring all students to comply with school immunization rules. This change applies specifically to higher education institutions and does not affect other vaccination requirements.