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would have eliminated vaccine requirements for students attending public virtual schools, private schools and parochial schools, with the exception of those participating in sanctioned athletic events organized by the West Virginia Secondary School Athletics Commission.

Parents and guardians could also opt out of vaccine requirements based on religious belief.

‘Strong opposition’

Justice vetoed the bill around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, just six-and-a-half hours before the midnight deadline to sign bills approved during the legislative session.

, Justice said he had heard �constant, strong opposition� to the legislation. Opponents included the West Virginia Association of School Nurses, the state Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the American Academy of Pediatrics. An against the bill had 3,745 signatures Wednesday afternoon.

Seventeen states across the country, including border states Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio, have reported measles cases this year, according to .

“These spikes, we are advised, are the result of the lesser vaccine requirements in those states,� Justice said.

Private and parochial schools from throughout West Virginia also asked for the bill to be vetoed.

“We have heard from this community that they see this bill as purely divisive and, if signed into law, requiring consideration of adopting policies that will result in parents pulling their children from their schools,� Justice said.

Deferring to the professionals

Justice said West Virginia is “way ahead of the pack� in protecting children from preventable diseases.

“... in this matter, I will defer to our licensed medical professionals who have come forward overwhelmingly to say this bill could and likely would result in reduced immunity and harm to West Virginia’s kids,� Justice said. “Our kids are our future. They are our most important resource, and I will protect them with everything I have.�