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. In New Hampshire, immunizations are free to all families that want them through an innovative program: the New Hampshire Vaccine Association (NHVA). The NHVA does not set vaccine policy or create vaccine laws.
We must make sure that childhood immunizations are widely available, easy to access, and affordable to everyone.
HB 524 would end our state's current system for providing access to vaccines for children. Currently, insurance companies pay money into a central fund (run by the NH Vaccine Association) that buys vaccines for all children in the state. If this bill passes, doctors' offices would need to buy immunizations upfront and then bill insurance companies directly for children with private insurance. Families would likely be required to pay co-pays.
Take Action
Sign in to OPPOSE (until midnight on 2/12)
Virtually sign in to the public hearing to show your opposition to HB 524:
- Go to the House Sign In Form on the GenCourt website.
- Fill in your personal information.
- Select the date: February 12
- Select the committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
- Choose the bill number: HB 524
- Select "I am: A member of the public" unless one of the other labels is appropriate to you.
- Fill in "I'm Representing: Myself" unless you are approved to represent another entity (i.e. your workplace or an organization).
- Select "I OPPOSE this bill."
- Upload or write your written testimony (this step is optional; please note your testimony becomes immediately visible on the website to anyone).
- Click "Submit."
Email the Committee
Attend the Hearing
Oppose HB 524 by attending and testifying at the public hearing on Wednesday, February 12 at 10:30 am at the Legislative Office Building in Room 201. New Futures can help you prepare remarks, find the committee room, and offer moral support at the hearing.
Bill Status
The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 524 on Wednesday, February 12 at 10:30 am at the Legislative Office Building in Room 201.