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Bill

HB 983

Immunization requirements for children; removes hepatitis B vaccine.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Garrett

HB 983 removes mandatory hepatitis B vaccination from Virginia's school immunization requirements, potentially reducing vaccination rates and increasing disease risk.

Assigned sub: Health
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 983

Legislative bill overview

HB 983 proposes to remove the hepatitis B vaccine from Virginia's mandatory immunization requirements for children. Currently, hepatitis B vaccination is required for school enrollment in Virginia as part of the standard immunization schedule. This bill would eliminate that requirement.

Why is this important

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, particularly when acquired in childhood. Vaccination requirements directly influence immunization rates, which affect community protection levels. Changes to vaccine mandates have downstream effects on public health surveillance, disease transmission patterns, and healthcare costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health effectiveness: Hepatitis B vaccination has dramatically reduced infection rates since introduction; removing the requirement could lower vaccination coverage and increase disease incidence, particularly in vulnerable populations
  • Transmission pathways and timing: The hepatitis B vaccine is typically administered at birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission and early childhood exposure; eliminating requirements may leave infants unprotected during high-risk periods
  • Parental choice vs. collective immunity: Balancing individual medical decision-making autonomy against maintaining community immunity thresholds needed to prevent outbreaks, particularly affecting non-vaccinated infants and immunocompromised individuals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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