New Hampshire Panel Debates Vaccine Bill Arguments
The ongoing debate over vaccine mandates in New Hampshire has reached new heights, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, a hearing was held by the Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee regarding bill HB 1811, which proposes to eliminate all vaccination requirements for children in public schools and other facilities.
Key Provisions of Bill HB 1811
The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit any political subdivision of New Hampshire from requiring vaccinations. This bill has drawn significant attention, with a large crowd attending the hearing, comprised of both supporters and opponents of the bill. Supporters were noted for their enthusiastic responses to critical remarks about pharmaceutical companies and government intervention.
Current Vaccination Requirements in New Hampshire
- Currently, New Hampshire mandates vaccinations for nine diseases in public school children.
- Exemptions are granted for religious and medical reasons.
Arguments For and Against the Bill
Medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, expressed concerns during the hearing. They warned that relaxing vaccine mandates could lead to a resurgence of diseases that were once nearly eradicated, such as measles and polio. Dr. Benjamin Chan, state epidemiologist, emphasized that vaccines have significantly reduced disease rates since they were first required in the 1880s.
Conversely, Representative Matt Drew, the bill’s primary sponsor, argued that current mandates erode public trust. He contended that coercive measures undermine informed consent and that the public health approach has become overly authoritative since the pandemic. Drew labeled the push for vaccination as a “vaccine religion” that disregards individual choices.
Legislative Context
In recent legislative changes, the New Hampshire House and Senate now have the authority to decide which vaccines are mandated, a shift from the previous responsibility held by the Department of Health and Human Services. A separate bill is now being considered that would remove hepatitis B from the list of required vaccinations.
Upcoming Actions
The Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee is expected to provide recommendations on HB 1811 next Wednesday. Following this, the bill may be presented to the full House for further discussion and consideration.
