Dear School Leader:
You may have heard that on October 20, 2022, the CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to unanimously recommend that the COVID-19 vaccine be added to the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program.
We want to thank NH DoE Commissioner Frank Edleblut for this Op-Ed. If you have an Op-Ed or LTE
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Related: Breaking: New Hampshire Will NOT Require Students to Get the COVID Vaccine to Attend School
Their vote may generate questions and conversation within your school community and as such, I am writing to confirm that this recommendation by ACIP has no impact on immunization requirements for students in New Hampshire.
The VFC program allows children to receive ACIP and CDC recommended vaccines, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The VFC is a federal program, which allows New Hampshire to purchase childhood vaccines at a reduced cost. Participation in the VFC program is voluntary and requires parental consent for a child to receive individual vaccines.
RSA 141-C:1-a provides that no person may be compelled to receive an immunization for COVID-19 in order to access public school districts or school administrative units. There is no change to the required list of vaccines for children entering childcare or K-12 school in New Hampshire (RSA 141-C). The NH Department of Health and Human Services has stated that they have no plans to seek legislative approval to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the required list. Parents and guardians can find more information regarding which vaccines are required for school attendance, in addition to information regarding medical and religious exemptions at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disease-prevention/immunizations.
Frank Edelblut
Frank Edelblut | Commissioner of Education
New Hampshire Department of Education
25 Hall Street | Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-271-3144
Frank.Edelblut@doe.nh.gov