In Beckley, a court ruling is pending about vaccine exemptions for West Virginia students. This case will determine whether local and state officials can deny religious exemptions under a recent executive order from Governor Patrick Morrisey.
The second day of the injunction hearing took place in Raleigh County Circuit Court. Judge Michael Froble heard witnesses, including experts for parents who want to stop schools from rejecting religious vaccine exemptions for their children.
One key witness was Dr. Cathy Slemp, a former state health officer and public health commissioner. She emphasized the importance of the state’s compulsory vaccine law, which has been in effect since 1937. According to Slemp, this law aims to keep children healthy and prevent disease outbreaks. “Vaccinations help protect not just individuals but the entire community,” she said. “Healthy children lead to a healthier population.”
Slemp pointed out that in all 50 states, similar laws exist. She believes vaccinations are crucial to build herd immunity, especially as these children grow into adults. “Vaccination is essential not just for today, but for our future,” she added.
The law allows for medical exemptions, and about 80% of those requests are approved. However, since the governor’s executive order, the number of religious exemptions has skyrocketed—570 have already been granted for the 2025-26 school year. This raises concerns about declining vaccination rates in schools, especially as more children enter the system each year.
Reports show that non-medical vaccine exemption rates have surged across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some states saw requests double or even triple. This trend could lead to lower vaccination coverage and a higher risk of disease outbreaks, according to experts.
Slemp warned that as more children enter school without vaccinations, community protection wanes. Each year that passes adds more unvaccinated children, increasing the chance for outbreaks over the long term. “This is not just a school issue; it impacts the entire community,” she cautioned.
The hearing concluded but will resume on October 8 and 9. Meanwhile, the state Board of Education is appealing a previous injunction ruling. The outcome will shape the future of vaccinations in West Virginia and potentially influence public health policy across the nation.
