Orchestrating a Successful Veto Campaign Against a Detrimental School Immunization Bill.

Abstract

West Virginia has one of the most robust childhood school-entry immunization policies in the nation, allowing only medical exemptions. As of the 2024 state legislative session, the last reported case of measles in West Virginia was in 2009. For over a decade, multiple bills have been introduced to attempt to weaken the immunization policy. In 2024, the West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 5105, which would allow private and parochial schools in West Virginia the option to opt out of state immunization requirements. This bill would threaten the well-being and lives of West Virginians by weakening herd immunity. In response, the West Virginia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics banded together with multiple stakeholders to coordinate a veto campaign for HB 5105 using media, petitions, phone calls, and in-person visits. Governor Jim Justice ultimately vetoed HB 5105. This case study highlights the importance of effective collaboration with stakeholders, engagement of medical organizations with shared goals, coordinated advocacy by health care professionals, and creating and implementing an effective public health message to maintain effective public health policy.