Caci Petrehn
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
I believe that vaccines should be mandatory, however, it is to my understanding that there’s only one medical provider that can provide an exemption. I do believe there should be slight expansion on the amount of providers able to review the medical documentation necessary for an exemption solely to ensure timely processing for those who truly need the exemption.
In your view, what role should the state play in ensuring access to vaccines—especially in rural or underserved communities?
West Virginia has been a leader in vaccine requirements for many years. We should expand access and ensure the programs that provide these vaccines to underserved communities are fully funded.
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.
I am fully invested in my district and have experience in organizing my community. I would absolutely encourage those in my district to get vaccinated. I would also work with the local public health officials and mobile operations to ensure that these were widely accessible with as little barriers as possible.
Is there anything else you would like West Virginia voters to know about your approach to public health, community wellbeing, and/or vaccines?
One of the most amazing parts of being a West Virginian is our our deep love of community. Part of being in community is protecting our most vulnerable and making sure we have the tools to keep everyone safe. Vaccines are a proven safeguard against many life threatening illnesses. While I respect every West Virginian’s freedom of choice, I would encourage everyone to look at the bigger picture and making sure we’re also making good choices for our communities as a whole.
