Vaccinating on time during childhood is the best way parents can protect their child because it helps provide immunity from 16 potentially life-threatening diseases.  Vaccine preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even deadly in infants and young children.  West Virginia has one of the most effective school-entry vaccine preventable laws in the nation.  The vaccination laws have proven to improve attendance rates for students and staff while ensuring children stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn.