W. Va. Code R. § 126-51-6 - Disease Prevention Measures through Immunizations

6.1. Students must be in compliance with the required immunization schedule as set forth by the Bureau Commissioner. The Commissioner, or his/her designee Immunization Officer shall make determinations on request for a medical exemption to the compulsory immunization requirements set forth by the Bureau. A medical exemption request must be made by a licensed physician and state that the physical condition of the child is such that immunization is contraindicated or there exists a specific precaution to a particular vaccine. The Immunization Officer's decision on a request for an exemption to the compulsory immunization requirements of this section may be appealed to the State Health Officer. The final determination of the State Health Officer is subject to a right of appeal pursuant to the provisions of W. Va. Code § 29A-5-1 et. seq. The immunization record shall be a public health record to be entered and reviewed annually into the WVSIIS.

6.2. All children entering Pre-K, kindergarten or any West Virginia public school for the first time must have immunizations and show proof upon enrollment as defined by W. Va. Code § 16-3-4 and W. Va. 64CSR95. All Pre-K students shall also meet requirements found in 126CSR28, WVBE Policy 2525, West Virginia's Universal Access to a Quality Early Education System.

6.3. Beginning in the school year 2012-2013, two additional vaccine requirements shall be added for students entering the 7^th and the 12^th grades, in accordance with the guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the revised rule of the Bureau, (W. Va. 64CSR95). Proof of Tdap and Meningococcal vaccinations shall be presented upon entry to 7^th and 12^th grade as indicated in and W. Va. Code § 16-3-4, W. Va. 64CSR95, Interpretive Rule, Immunization Requirements and Recommendations for New School Enterers. Immunization records for each student entering grades 7 and 12 shall be examined for the age appropriate doses of these two vaccines. The information shall be entered into WVSIIS in order to ensure that updated immunization information is readily available to health officials in the event of a communicable disease outbreak that presents an imminent danger to students or other members of the community.

6.3.a. Tdap vaccine is recommended for children age 11-12 years who have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccine series and have not already received a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster dose at middle school entry. Proof of Tdap vaccination is required to be presented upon entry to the 7^th grade.

6.3.b. Adolescents age 13-18 who missed the 11-12 year old Tdap/Td dose and who have completed the primary DTP/DTaP series shall be required to get a dose of Tdap vaccine prior to entry to the 12^th grade.

6.3.c. Meningococcal Vaccination shall be required in accordance with ACIP guidance. Current ACIP guidance for Meningococcal vaccine is to administer a first dose to children at 11 or 12 years old and a booster dose at 16-18 years of age. All children who receive a first dose of MCV vaccine before the age of 16 are recommended to receive a booster dose at 16-18 years of age. Proof of age appropriate MCV vaccination shall be presented upon entry to the 7^th grade. Proof of the second dose of MCV shall be presented upon entry to the 12^th grade for all children who received the 1^st dose before 16 years of age. Only one dose of MCV is required if the first dose was administered after 16 years of age for 12^th grade entry.

6.4. County boards of education should consider providing one credit hour of community service to students in high school for obtaining and showing proof of their annual influenza (flu) vaccination as a great way to support attendance rates, academic success, well workforce and overall wellness.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 126-51-6