Christopher Jones
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)?
Maintain current requirements
In your view, what role should the state play in ensuring access to vaccines—especially in rural or underserved communities?
The state has a strong role to play in making sure people can access vaccines, particularly in rural and underserved communities where healthcare infrastructure is often limited. That role should focus on access, education, affordability, and public health preparedness rather than unnecessary bureaucracy.
In states with large rural populations like West Virginia, the biggest issue is often not willingness, but accessibility. Transportation barriers, healthcare deserts, and provider shortages can leave communities without consistent preventive care. Addressing those gaps can improve health outcomes broadly, not just vaccination rates.
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.
If a preventable disease outbreak like measles happened in my district, I’d work with local health officials, schools, and healthcare providers to make sure the public had clear and accurate information. I’d encourage people to follow evidence-based medical guidance and make sure residents knew where they could access care or vaccines if they wanted them.
I’d also support efforts to improve access to healthcare resources in rural and underserved communities while keeping the public informed without creating unnecessary panic. My focus would be on transparency, preparedness, and protecting public health.
Is there anything else you would like West Virginia voters to know about your approach to public health, community wellbeing, and/or vaccines?
I believe public health is about more than just healthcare, it’s about making sure people have access to the resources they need to live healthy, stable lives. That includes affordable healthcare, strong rural hospitals, mental health services, clean communities, and honest public information people can trust.
My approach is focused on practicality, transparency, and keeping politics out of personal healthcare decisions whenever possible. I want West Virginians to feel supported, informed, and able to make the best decisions for themselves and their families while making sure our communities are prepared and protected during public health challenges.
