Virginia House Bill HB2276

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

COVID; immunization of children.

Impact

If passed, HB 2276 would reinforce the existing immunization protocols by obligating schools to maintain strict compliance with documentation requirements. Schools will be required to exclude students lacking requisite proof of immunizations, although provisions for conditional admissions exist for those on a schedule to complete their vaccinations. Additionally, this bill also seeks to streamline communication between health authorities and educational institutions to ensure timely updates about a child's immunization status.

Summary

House Bill 2276 addresses immunization requirements for children in Virginia, specifically focusing on the regulations that govern the documentation of vaccinations needed for school admission. The proposed changes to Virginia's Code amend existing statutes concerning the immunization of children, mandating that no student shall be admitted to school without verified proof of immunizations unless they qualify for certain exemptions. These changes aim to enhance student health and safety, particularly in light of recent public health concerns caused by diseases like COVID-19.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding HB 2276 include the proposed exemptions for religious beliefs and health concerns. While parents may exempt their children from vaccinations on religious grounds, several legislators and advocacy groups argue that these provisions could potentially undermine public health initiatives aimed at achieving higher vaccination rates. There's a concern about balancing individual rights with the necessity of vaccinations to protect the larger community, particularly in preventing outbreaks of preventable diseases.