WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is weighing in on West Virginia’s ongoing debate over school vaccine exemptions, warning that efforts to loosen the state’s requirements put children at risk.

In an article released this week, Bishop Mark E. Brennan said his own childhood experiences with measles and polio vaccines shaped his belief that immunizations are essential for protecting public health. He called West Virginia’s vaccination rules “strong” and urged lawmakers not to back away from them.

“Children are more vulnerable than adults and need more protection. Proven vaccines provide that protection,” Brennan wrote.

West Virginia is currently one of the few states that does not allow religious or philosophical exemptions to school vaccine mandates

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