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.
About the Bills
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
HB 524: The House Ways and Means Committee retained the bill, meaning they can work on it over the summer and bring it back during the 2026
session.
Bill Progress:
Feb 12: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs Public Hearing (over 3,000 people signed in to oppose).
Feb 19: Committee Recommendation OTP (10-8)
March 6: House of Representatives votes 189-181 to pass HB 524, bill moves to House Ways and Means Committee.
March 18: House Ways and Means Committee Public Hearing (over 1,300 people signed in to oppose)
March 25: House Ways and Means Committee Retains HB 524.
.png?resize=360x0)
