COMMENTARY: West Virginia’s School Vaccination Debate Hijacked
March 24, 2025
West Virginia’s current vaccination laws have led to one of the highest childhood vaccination rates among school-aged children in the country. This achievement is commendable and worth celebrating.
Yet, not everyone agrees—and that’s fine. However, when considering altering state law to allow religious exemptions – which after amendment in the House Friday have become so broad they effectively resemble philosophical exemptions – shouldn’t the people of West Virginia be leading the narrative and debate? Findings indicate this is not currently the situation.
Point One: Most Conservative West Virginians Support Existing Vaccination Mandates
According to a survey conducted in 2024 shared Friday by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, most conservative West Virginians support the state’s existing vaccination mandates for established and safe childhood vaccines.
When respondents were asked, “Do you generally think that vaccinations against childhood diseases, such as measles and mumps, are a good or bad idea?” an overwhelming 86.6 percent answered, “Good idea.” Just 5.5% said “Bad idea,” and 11.3 percent were undecided. Notably, among the 86.6 percent who approved of vaccinations, nearly 82 percent self-identified as conservative.
Additionally, only 7.3 percent of respondents stated vaccinations are “generally unsafe and can be dangerous.” Among that small minority, only 9.8 percent identified as conservative. With 600 people surveyed, the poll carries a margin of error of ±4 percent.
These results strongly suggest the majority of West Virginians would not support changes to the state’s current vaccination laws. Furthermore, opposition to vaccination mandates does not appear rooted in conservative ideology.
Click to Read: Vax_survey_July_chamber
Point Two: Out-of-State Interest Group Floods the Debate
An out-of-state interest group is attempting to influence debate through targeted campaigns.
Delegate Scot Heckert, R-Wood, has become a focal point in this controversy due to his support of maintaining current vaccination laws. Consequently, Heckert and other delegates report targeted text and social media outreach from pro-exemption groups.
Heckert disclosed on his Facebook page receiving roughly 50 emails from senders with Michigan-based (734) area codes. Additionally, multiple House of Delegates members have highlighted text-message campaigns coordinated by an out-of-state entity, the American Action Fund, led by Derin Stidd.
In a piece outlining efforts to elect pro-vaccine exemption lawmakers Stidd said, “If you don’t behave like a conservative during the legislative session, something really bad is going to happen come primary season.”
The Operation Save America website identifies Stidd as a pastor in Indiana.
Delegate Sarah Drennan, R-Putnam, posted on Facebook accusing Stidd and his organization of being “caught” delivering “fraudulent letters” purportedly from constituents who claim never to have signed them.
In a conversation Sunday, Heckert confirmed he had received over 1,800 emails concerning the vaccination issue as of last Friday night. Approximately 1,400 of those emails urged Heckert to maintain vaccine mandates, an anecdotal detail aligning closely with survey data.
The Broader Issue
Perhaps equally dangerous as weakening West Virginia’s vaccination laws is allowing outside groups, like the one described above, to meddle in state politics. These organizations will not be here to handle the consequences of their lobbying efforts. Instead, they’ll simply move on to another state as part of their misguided campaign in the name of liberty.
West Virginians should question the motives of these external interests and engage directly with their legislators to determine how such influences may have shaped their votes. If the survey results are accurate—and there’s no reason to believe otherwise—it appears some House members are dangerously close to placing their own views, or those of outside groups, ahead of the clear will of their constituents.
Senate Bill 460 will next be up for passage in the House slated for Monday (March 24). If passed, the legislation reverts to the Senate for consideration and potential concurrence with House changes.
Story By TJ Meadows, MetroNews