New Hampshire law requires that all children enrolled in any school, preschool, or child care center have certain immunizations to protect them and those around them from preventable diseases. Certain exemptions are allowed for families.
Several bills introduced in New Hampshire in 2026 seek to change immunization requirements and create administrative barriers that make it harder for New Hampshire families to learn about or access immunizations.
Take Action
Call Your Reps: Urge them to Oppose HB 1811
A phone call is the most effective way to contact a legislator!
First, find the phone numbers of your State Representative(s) below.
Most State Representatives in New Hampshire don't have offices at the State House. 603-271-2548 is the general number for the House of Representatives, but State Representatives may not receive a message left for them there. Instead, use the form below, and click on "More..." on the right. You may see a personal home or mobile phone number listed there. You can also search online for phone numbers. They may be listed on their campaign website or social media page.
Call your state representatives using our call script:
"Hello Representative.
My name is __________, and I live in your district in the town of __________.
I am calling to urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate on HB 1811.
In addition to the negative impacts to public health, this bill will also put $40 million per year in federal funding for child care scholarships at risk. A loss of this funding would dismantle our child care infrastructure in New Hampshire. [include any other points you'd like to make].
Thank you for your time and consideration on this issue."
Email Your Representative(s)
Attend the Hearings in Person
Show your opposition to the bills by attending and testifying at the public hearings. New Futures can help you prepare remarks, find the committee room, and offer moral support at the hearing.
About the Bills
HB 1449 - School Vaccine Clinic Restrictions
This bill bans vaccine clinics from operating at schools during school hours and requires a parent or guardian to be physically present with their child for the child to receive any vaccine at a school clinic. This creates significant barriers for working families and could reduce vaccination rates by making it harder for many parents to access convenient, no-cost vaccine clinics. School-based clinics, run through the New Hampshire Public Health Association in eight different public health regions, have been a critical tool for reaching underserved communities and ensuring all children—not just those whose parents can take time off work—have access to protections against disease.
HB 1584 - Mandatory Exemption Notices
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to prominently display "MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER NEW HAMPSHIRE LAW" on all vaccine-related communications and materials. This bill also creates penalties of up to $1,000 for state employees who don't include the required notice. HB 1584 undermines public health messaging at a time when New Hampshire already faces rising exemption rates—from 2.7% in 2020-2021 to 4.1% in 2024-2025.
HB 1616 - Ban on Vaccine Advertising
This bill prohibits state agencies and local governments from advertising vaccines or spending any money on vaccine advertising. According to the fiscal note, this bill would eliminate approximately $61,000 in federal funding currently used for medical provider education about vaccines. This silences the state's ability to communicate with families about vaccine-preventable diseases during outbreaks or to provide educational resources to health care providers. This bill could also jeopardize up to $3.5 million in federal immunization funding if the state cannot meet federal requirements for public education and communication.
HB 1719 - Remove Hepatitis B Requirement
This bill removes Hepatitis B from the list of vaccines required for children to attend school or child care. The vaccine would still be available, but parents could choose whether or not their child receives it. This "death by a thousand cuts" approach chips away at our immunization program one vaccine at a time, setting a dangerous precedent that invites future bills to remove additional vaccines. An increase in Hepatitis B outbreaks requiring emergency response could cost the state $100,000-$350,000 per outbreak.
HB 1811 - Eliminate All Vaccine Requirements
This bill completely repeals all childhood immunization requirements for school and child care attendance in New Hampshire. Under this bill, vaccines would become entirely optional recommendations that cannot be required by the state or any local government for any public service or access. This represents the complete dismantling of New Hampshire's successful immunization program. This bill would reverse decades of public health progress and put New Hampshire children at risk of diseases we haven't seen in generations. It also puts millions of dollars in federal funding for child care scholarships at risk.
Bill Status
All five bills will start in the House of Representatives.
HB 1449
HB 1449:
A public hearing has not yet been scheduled for HB 1449.
HB 1584 - Passed the House
HB 1584:
February 12: The House of Representatives votes 197-163 to pass HB 1584. The bill will be sent to the House Finance Committee for further review.
January 28: House HHSEA Committee votes 10-8 to advance HB 1584 with an amendment that changes the penalties to state employees from a fine to disciplinary action.
January 14: The House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee held a public hearing.
HB 1616 - In Committee
HB 1616:
January 15: The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee held a public hearing.
HB 1719 - Heading to House floor
HB 1719:
February 12: The House will vote on HB 1719.
January 28: The House HHSEA Committee voted 10-8 to advance HB 1719.
January 14: The House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee held a public hearing.
HB 1811 - Heading to House floor
HB 1811:
February 11: The House HHSEA Committee voted 10-8 to advance HB 1811 with an amendment that maintains the polio vaccine requirement.
February 4: The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee held a public hearing on HB 1811.
