New Hampshire Bill Aims to End Mandatory School Vaccinations

Proposed legislation would treat vaccination guidelines as recommendations, not requirements

Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A bill in the New Hampshire legislature, HB-1811, would completely end mandatory vaccinations for children entering school or daycare facilities. The bill proposes treating the Department of Health and Human Services' vaccination guidelines as recommendations that 'shall not be used to deny services or access.' The bill is part of a broader push by the Republican Party to limit public vaccination requirements.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation reflects a growing movement to roll back school vaccination mandates, which public health experts say are critical to maintaining herd immunity and preventing the spread of dangerous diseases. The debate over mandatory vaccinations has become increasingly polarized, with some arguing that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent.

The details

HB-1811 would eliminate the state's current requirements for children to be vaccinated against nine diseases before entering school or daycare. The bill states that 'the department and any political subdivision of the state of New Hampshire shall not require vaccinations under any circumstance.' Two other related bills, HB-1219 and HB-1022, are also scheduled for hearings this week. HB-1219 would prevent foster homes from being required to give more vaccinations than schools, while HB-1022 would specify the wording of the form parents must sign to receive a religious exemption from vaccine requirements.

  • The hearing on HB-1811 will be held by the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs committee at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, in Room 158 at Granite Place.
  • HB-1219 is scheduled for a 1 p.m. hearing in the same room on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • HB-1022 is slated for an 11 a.m. hearing on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, in Room 158 at Granite Place.

The players

HB-1811

A bill that would completely end mandatory vaccinations for children entering school or daycare facilities in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that currently sets vaccination guidelines for children in New Hampshire.

Robert Kennedy Jr.

Former Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump, who has long argued that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent.

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What’s next

The Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs committee will hold hearings on HB-1811, HB-1219, and HB-1022 on Wednesday, February 5, 2026. If the bills pass, they could significantly reduce vaccination requirements for children in New Hampshire.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation reflects a growing debate over the role of government in mandating vaccinations for public health. Proponents argue that vaccines are essential to preventing the spread of dangerous diseases, while opponents contend that the risks of vaccines outweigh the benefits. The outcome of these bills could have significant implications for vaccination rates and public health in New Hampshire.