Chris Claypole

On a scale of “Strongly Agree” (5) to “Strongly Disagree,” (1) rank your position on the following statements: 

Vaccines are safe: 5
Vaccines are effective at preventing disease: 5
Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility: 5

What is your position on West Virginia’s current school vaccine requirements (which allow only medical exemptions)? 

I would start with maintaining our current requirements, but potentially broaden the list of required vaccinations to include other preventable communicable diseases after consulting with medical experts of course.

In your view, what role should the state play in ensuring access to vaccines—especially in rural or underserved communities? 

I feel the state has an obligation to it's people in providing the necessary resources for them to live with relative health and safety, up to and including making sure vaccinations are readily available at little to no cost for children

Which of the following best reflects your understanding? 

Vaccines primarily protect the individual receiving them
Vaccines help protect both individuals and the broader community
Vaccination is largely a personal decision with limited community impact
Vaccination is a personal decision regardless of community impact 

If a preventable disease outbreak (such as measles) occurred in your district, what actions—if any—would you take as a policymaker (e.g., make a statement regarding safety, coordinate with public health officials, take policy actions, encourage vaccination, etc.

All of the above. Lead by example if it means public safety precautions, be the example for others, and the entire list of responsibilities that officials should follow.

Is there anything else you would like West Virginia voters to know about your approach to public health, community wellbeing, and/or vaccines?

Easily accessible healthcare is a fundamental right of all West Virginians. Vaccines have been medically proven to save lives countless times over. In order to make West Virginia healthier we need this focus to be maintained and expanded upon.