Our state is known for, and proud of, the fact that we have the lowest disease rates across the board, ranging from pneumonia to measles, Covid-19, and tetanus. We also celebrate that New Hampshire has the fourth highest vaccination rate in the entire nation, with over 82.8% of Granite State children protected from serious diseases such as Polio and HiB by the age of 3. This success is greatly attributed to the New Hampshire Vaccine Association (NHVA) which has ensured that children of all ages in our state have access to vaccines for little to no cost by partnering with local hospitals and private insurers to purchase vaccinations in bulk. The NHVA is a state-affiliated medical organization that works with New Hampshire’s hospitals and insurance providers to provide vaccines in bulk to physicians and hospitals, who then vaccinate their patients across the state.
It appears, however, that some of our legislators are indifferent to the progress this association has brought. HB 524, sponsored by Representative Michael Granger (R–Strafford-02), a member of the Free State Movement, seeks to dismantle the NHVA by cutting over $23 million in critical funds. Legislators should be aware this is not a money pit program, rather it is a large money saver for many doctors and hospitals, and if cut would leave many low- and middle- class families missing vaccination checkups, putting local hospitals and doctors in stress, delaying the stockpiling of life-critical vaccinations, and not keeping private insurers accountable. The termination of the NHVA may prove to be even more disastrous if there is a natural catastrophe, epidemic, or any form of statewide emergency, as vaccines and other vital healthcare access will not be available after adequate funds towards the program will be diminished. For example, without NHVAs help, many individuals would not have received groundbreaking vaccinations during the Covid-19 pandemic, risking the spread of the disease substantially and raising the number of deaths, particularly among the elderly.
The largest shock is to consider why anyone would want to repeal a program that has achieved much and continues to work well. The bill is currently retained in the Ways and Means Committee since March 6, 2025, after our state representatives in Concord voted that the piece of legislation “ought to pass”, with 189 of our legislators voted in favor. The very fact that 189 elected representatives believe that voting along party lines is more important than helping working families in our state is distressing, favoring a bill that if passed in future weeks, will lead to a financial and health catastrophe across the Granite State in the future years.
And while it is understandable that many of our legislators in Concord may want to cut government waste and unnecessary funding and spending, removing such a vital program in our state will negatively affect many children and families who wish to receive free vaccinations that keep our future generations protected against the growing barrage of diseases. It will cause hospitals and clinics to limit vaccine purchase and provision as a result of hefty sums. If HB 524 is to reach the House chamber for its roll call, I urge my fellow New Hampshire legislators to vote nay. Why ruin something good that has helped so many and will continue to do so? Put families first; politics can wait.
