TAKE ACTIONOppose Changes to Immunization Requirements

About the Bills

HB 679 would change the scientific standard to approve vaccines, essentially removing all childhood immunization requirements.  This bill would prevent the Department from requiring any vaccines currently required for attendance at New Hampshire schools or child care, which protect children and staff against 10 different diseases (including polio, measles, chickenpox, and hepatitis B). When children receive recommended immunizations on time, our whole state benefits. High childhood vaccination rates help to create community immunity, which offers widespread protection against contagious diseases. 

Not only do these bills weaken public health protections for young children, but they also unnecessarily risk critical federal funding for child care centers. New Hampshire’s only source of federal funding to support child care comes through the Child Care Development Block Grant. This block grant requires the NH Department of Health and Human Services to set minimum health and safety requirements, including age-appropriate immunizations. While CCDF rules preserve and protect parental choice by explicitly outlining exemptions to immunization, federal rules do not permit a state to completely remove all immunization standards. Without minimum immunization requirements, centers would not qualify for CCDF funds. 

Related Bills

• A similar bill (HB 664) was defeated in the House of Representatives in March
• Other proposed bills would also affect vaccination requirements:
  • HB 357 would remove requirements for Hepatitis B, varicella, and Hib vaccines in 2026 and limit the state's ability to add new vaccines during disease outbreaks
  • HB 358 would eliminate the requirement that parents complete a religious exemption form to opt out of vaccinations

Take Action

Bill Status

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held public hearings on HB 679 HB 357 and HB 358 on Wednesday, April 9. The Committee will hold an executive session to vote on recommendations for the bills soon.