**West Virginia Supreme Court Blocks Religious Vaccine Exemptions for Schools**
The West Virginia Supreme Court has temporarily stopped a lower court ruling that allowed school vaccine exemptions for religious reasons. This decision comes just days after a Raleigh County judge permitted parents to opt out of vaccinating their children based on religious beliefs.
On November 27, Circuit Court Judge Michael Froble issued an injunction stating that religious exemptions should be allowed for school vaccines. His ruling overturned a long-standing state policy that required all school children to be vaccinated, with only medical reasons accepted for exemption.
The state government quickly appealed to the Supreme Court, asking for the lower court ruling to be reviewed. On December 3, the West Virginia Supreme Court granted a stay, meaning the lower court’s decision will not take effect while the case is being reviewed.
This means that West Virginia’s current vaccine rules remain in place. Children must be vaccinated to attend school unless they have a valid medical exemption approved by a physician and the state’s health department.
West Virginia is one of only a few states that do not allow religious or philosophical exemptions to school vaccines. The recent attempt to add religious exemptions raised public concern, especially amid ongoing health risks such as outbreaks of measles in some U.S. communities.
Health officials argue that allowing personal or religious exemptions can lower vaccination rates and increase the risk of disease outbreaks. State officials say their strict vaccine laws help keep children and schools safer.
The case will now go through further legal proceedings. The West Virginia Supreme Court did not say when it will issue a final decision. Until then, the original no-exemption policy remains in effect.
Parents, schools, and health workers across the state are watching closely. The debate highlights the tension between public health policy and personal freedoms. Legal experts say the court’s final decision could set an important precedent for other states with similar laws.
For now, all students in West Virginia are still required to be vaccinated under existing health rules, except for those with approved medical reasons.
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