Bill > HB1811

This bill repeals statutory immunization requirements for children in New Hampshire, fundamentally changing the state's approach to childhood vaccinations. The legislation eliminates mandatory immunization requirements for school and child care enrollment, removing previous rules that required children to be vaccinated against diseases like diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, and others. Instead, the bill establishes that the Department of Health and Human Services can only recommend vaccinations, which will be purely advisory and cannot be used to deny services or access to any person. The bill emphasizes medical freedom and bodily autonomy, asserting that no person can be compelled to receive an immunization to access public facilities, benefits, or services. Additionally, the legislation repeals existing statutes related to immunization records, exemptions, and rulemaking, effectively dismantling the current vaccination framework. The bill's policy statement argues that vaccine mandates represent governmental overreach and violate principles of informed consent, positioning vaccination as a voluntary personal health decision. While the bill could potentially reduce state vaccine-related expenditures by approximately $6.8-$7.8 million annually, health officials warn of potential increased costs related to disease outbreak investigations and possible loss of federal funding.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1561&inflect=2