CHARLESTON – With the new school year quickly approaching, the West Virginia Department of Health emphasizes the importance of keeping students up to date on their immunizations. These vaccines are crucial in protecting children from serious diseases, especially as they return to classrooms and close contact with others.
All students entering grades K-12 in West Virginia must show proof of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B, unless a medical exemption is approved by the Department of Health. Additional immunizations for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and meningococcal disease are required for children entering grades 7 and 12.
Recently, the first positive measles case in Monongalia County exposed 128 residents across 30 counties and 24 contacts from four neighboring states. The Department of Health’s Bureau for Public Health, along with local health departments, managed to mitigate a measles outbreak through contact tracing and other measures. This incident underscores the critical role immunizations play in maintaining public health.
“The final weeks of summer are an ideal time to schedule back-to-school immunizations for our students,” said DH Secretary Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFP. “Immunizations are crucial in preventing severe and potentially fatal illnesses. Measles, in particular, poses serious health risks, especially for our most vulnerable children.”
To make it easier for residents to access their vaccination records, the DH has launched a new tool called MyIRMobile. This resource allows patients to review their immunization history and print official records.
“Accessing your child’s immunization records has never been simpler,” noted Dr. Matthew Christiansen, State Health Officer. “While MyIRMobile offers convenient online access, we encourage individuals with questions to consult their pediatrician or primary care provider.”
For detailed information on West Virginia’s immunization requirements, visit https://oeps.wv.gov/immunizations/Pages/immunization_Requirements.aspx.
