Sarah Reggi

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? 

State role in ensuring vaccine access, especially in rural or underserved communities

The state has a responsibility to educate the public on the safety and community health benefits of a vaccinated populace. Vaccines should be required to attend public school.

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. I would inform the community on the risks associated with not being vaccinated and provide facts regarding the current outbreak. I would encourage communities to vaccinate. I would be in favor and help sponsor legislation protecting our community and requiring/encouraging vaccination.

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

As a school-based SLP, I work with many children in several school buildings. Protecting children with vaccines is important not just for the individual, but also for the community as a whole - especially for our medically fragile, elderly, and infants who may not be protected yet. Germs spread like wildfire in public spaces, especially schools. We have a responsibility to our community to do what is right for the greater good of all.