I write to express my strong objection to the possibility of adding COVID-19 vaccines to the immunization schedule for school children in Virginia.

Informed consent must be the bedrock of any state's immunization program.  The proposed regulations do not acknowledge this.  Parents must have the freedom to opt out when the risks outweigh the benefits for their children, and they must not be punished or penalized for doing so.  Where there is risk, there must be choice, and the risks involved with the COVID-19 vaccines are great.

The right to medical exemptions must be protected and strengthened in the regulations.

Vaccination must not be required of homeschooled children.  That is a gross overreach of the state's authority.

Lastly, COVID-19 vaccines must not be added to the immunization schedule.  There is more than enough evidence that they are directly associated with heart inflammation and other serious side effects.  The vaccines do not reduce transmission, do not prevent infection, and healthy children are at virtually no risk from COVID-19 to begin with.  Again, where there is risk there must be consent and choice.