Bill > HB1719

This bill removes Hepatitis B from the list of childhood immunizations that are currently required by law in the state of New Hampshire. Specifically, the bill amends the existing statute (RSA 141-C:20-a) to eliminate Hepatitis B from the list of mandatory vaccines, which previously included immunizations for diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, rubeola, tetanus, varicella, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). The bill would take effect 60 days after its passage. While the bill would reduce direct vaccine expenditures by an estimated $20,000 in the first fiscal year and $82,000 in subsequent years, the Department of Health and Human Services notes potential indirect costs of $100,000 to $350,000 per potential disease outbreak. The fiscal note indicates that vaccine purchases would still be available on a voluntary basis, with physicians and parents able to make shared clinical decisions about Hepatitis B immunization. The bill does not provide new funding or authorize additional positions, and the reduced costs would primarily impact the vaccine assessment paid by insurers through the NH Vaccine Association.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1573&inflect=2