Kara Waldeck

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

Vaccines are safe: 4
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? 

All shots needed for children should be covered by state.

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.

The best course of action is to keep the public informed, to keep misinformation and panic from spreading. Being sure to keep connected with public health officials to have the most up to date information. I would keep social media updated with the best course of actions to stay safe. As well as work with community members to have a phone outreach to talk with those who do not use social networks.

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

While I believe healthcare decisions should remain between medical professionals and their patients, staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect both yourself and others. If a doctor truly believes the risks of a treatment, procedure, or medication outweigh the benefits, they will discuss that with their patient. If someone knowingly chooses to remain unvaccinated and therefore more susceptible to and capable of spreading disease, they should also understand that certain consequences may follow, such as restrictions related to school attendance or other public health policies.