West Virginia requires an immunization certificate before any child can attend school under W. Va. Code §16-3-4. West Virginia allows only medical exemptions — religious and philosophical exemptions are not recognized under current state law. Here is every required form, where to get it, and the grade-specific deadlines — cited to West Virginia law and WVDHHR guidance.
Last verified: September 1, 2026
West Virginia's primary school health document is the West Virginia Certificate of Immunization, signed by a licensed West Virginia healthcare provider or by a county health department. Under W. Va. Code §16-3-4, no student may be admitted to school without this certificate showing current immunization compliance or an approved medical exemption.
Medical exemptions only: West Virginia eliminated religious and philosophical exemptions from school immunization requirements. As of current law, only a licensed physician can grant a medical exemption based on a documented contraindication. Parents seeking exemption information should contact the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) Immunization program directly.
Source: WVDHHR — School Immunization Requirements; W. Va. Code §16-3-4, accessed Sep 1, 2026
WVIIStar (West Virginia Immunization Information System) is the state's central immunization registry, operated by WVDHHR. If your child has received vaccines from a West Virginia provider, those doses are recorded in WVIIStar. Your pediatrician can query WVIIStar and print a complete record at any appointment.
Parents can also request their child's immunization records through WVIIStar via the WVDHHR immunization registry portal. For records from out of state, bring all prior vaccination documentation to the first appointment with a West Virginia provider, who can review and enter them into WVIIStar.
Source: WVDHHR — WVIIStar Immunization Registry, accessed Sep 1, 2026
Full immunization certificate required on or before the first day. West Virginia typically allows a brief conditional enrollment window — confirm with your school, as requirements have tightened in recent years. Do not assume conditional enrollment without asking.
Tdap booster and MenACWY (first dose) required before 7th grade begins. Update the immunization certificate at the annual well-child visit in spring or early summer — the 7th grade requirements are the most common documentation gap at West Virginia middle school enrollment.
Students transferring from other states must meet West Virginia's requirements. A West Virginia Certificate of Immunization is required — the sending state's form is not accepted as a substitute. Bring all prior vaccine documentation so a West Virginia provider can issue the certificate.
West Virginia requires a physical examination at kindergarten entry under W. Va. Code §18-5-22. The exam must be completed by a licensed physician and submitted to the school before enrollment is finalized. The exam is typically valid for 12 months.
Some districts also require updated physicals at middle school entry (6th or 7th grade). Check with your specific county school district for the current physical exam requirement at each grade level.
Source: W. Va. Code §18-5-22 — Physical examinations, accessed Sep 1, 2026
West Virginia school districts are organized by county. The five largest:
Every person gets one health story, and one private Family Stork email address every clinic already knows how to use. Give your West Virginia pediatrician your child's @familystork address — visit summaries and vaccine records file automatically into the health timeline. Enrollment season means opening the app, not chasing records. $99/year, or about $10 a month.
West Virginia recognizes only medical exemptions from school immunization requirements under W. Va. Code §16-3-4. Religious and philosophical exemptions are not recognized under current West Virginia law. Medical exemption documentation must be signed by a licensed physician and submitted to the school. The official exemption process and forms are available from WVDHHR.
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