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.
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Share Your Perspective
Why is it important to you that childhood immunizations are widely available, easy to access, and affordable for everyone?
Your story can help lawmakers understand the real impact.
Need Help? Contact Sarah Cain (Community Engagement Coordinator) for help taking action or Kate Frey (Vice President of Advocacy) with policy questions.
About the Bill
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 will face an increase in fees and insurance premiums. Additionally, immunizations will be harder to find, as small practice providers will be unable to afford the expenses associated with maintaining their own inventories.
NHPR: Insurers warn of increased premiums if NH vaccine program is gutted
Bill Status
Bill Progress:
April 2: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 524 on Thursday, April 2 at 1:40 pm.
January 7, 2026: The House of Representatives voted to pass an amended version of HB 524. The amendment creates a committee to study the effectiveness of the NHVA and report its findings by November 1, 2026.
October 29, 2025: House Ways and Means Committee holds a public hearing on a non-germane Amendment to HB 524. The Committee votes 17-0 on a recommendation of Ought to Pass with Amendment. The Amendment would form a study committee on the New Hampshire Vaccine Association.
March 25, 2025: House Ways and Means Committee votes to retain HB 524. It will not advance in 2025, but must come back in 2026 for a vote.
March 18, 2025: House Ways and Means Committee Public Hearing (over 1,300 people signed in to oppose)
March 6: House of Representatives votes 189-181 to pass HB 524, bill moves to House Ways and Means Committee.
Feb 19: Committee Recommendation OTP (10-8)
Feb 12: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs Public Hearing (over 3,000 people signed in to oppose).
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