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Welcome to VacChoiceNH: 

The NH Coalition for Vaccination Choice

Currently, there are 20 states that offer their citizens a conscientious belief/philosophic type exemption. We pride ourselves here in NH on our many liberties, however, affording our citizens with the right to choose with regard to mandatory vaccination is not one of those liberties. Creating a conscientious belief exemption will give our citizens the right to choose whether or not to receive mandated vaccinations. Compulsory vaccination laws that do not provide for these types of exemptions are, in essence, mandating the government’s ‘right’ to ‘own’ an individual’s body.

Presently, New Hampshire has both a medical and religious exemption to compulsory vaccinations. The following are the definitions recognized by our state, and the requirements to obtain such exemptions:

Medical Exemption:
To receive an exemption of immunization for medical reasons, the parent or legal guardian of the child must acquire written documentation from a licensed physician  or authorized health care provider that certifies that immunization against a particular disease may be detrimental to the child's health. The exemption shall exist only for the length of time, in the opinion of the physician; such immunization would be detrimental to the child.  An exemption from immunization for one disease shall not affect other required immunizations.

Religious Exemption:
Religious exemptions can be granted when a parent or legal guardian objects to immunization because of religious beliefs. The parent or legal guardian shall sign a notarized form stating that the child has not been immunized because of religious beliefs. 

Nowhere in either of the above exemptions is parental choice or informed consent mentioned. A conscientious belief exemption by definition would allow parents to be released from the requirement of compulsory vaccination based on their personal beliefs, concepts, attitudes, logic, ethics, metaphysics and epistemology. A legislated conscientious belief exemption provides a rightful means for an individual to accept, decline or abstain from medical mandates. It is a guarantee that no government sanctioned paradigm or system of beliefs will retain absolute authority over an individual’s freedom of choice.

Up until recently, the use of the religious exemption has not been questioned. Recently, parents in New York have been questioned by school officials regarding their religious beliefs as New York does not have a legislated philosophical exemption. Litigation primarily involves the school arguing that parents hold ‘personal philosophies’ rather than legitimate beliefs. Video of one families’ ordeal can be seen here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IwwB2ECmxU&feature=related ). As a response to this, New York introduced bill A04886 to enact a philosophical exemption for their state.

The time has come for the citizenry of New Hampshire to come together and solidify our right to make our own decisions regarding the health and welfare of our bodies and those of our children. If you are interested in helping to support and/or promote a legislated conscientious belief exemption via HB 1555 for the state of New Hampshire, we welcome all levels of participation. This includes individuals that have only 5 minutes to send an e-mail or to make a phone call to their legislator (See Action Page) or those able to invest hours to this cause. Your support in this effort is crucial. Please join our mailing list by sending an e-mail to: VacChoiceNH@gmail.com.

The contents of VacChoiceNH.org and related Web sites are intended to provide useful health information to the general public. All materials, including texts, graphics, images, and audio, on VacChoiceNH.org are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment for specific medical conditions. All visitors to VacChoiceNH.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. VacChoiceNH.org does not recommend or endorse specific tests, procedures, advice, or other information found on VacChoiceNH.org. VacChoiceNH.org and the NH Coalition for Vaccination Choice specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use or application of any of the material on this site.

The New Hampshire Coalition for Vaccination Choice (VacChoiceNH) neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office and claims no responsibility for the actions of individuals or groups of individuals who use the NH Coalition for Vaccination Choice (VacChoiceNH) logo or name or who may claim to act as representatives of the NH Coalition for Vaccination Choice (VacChoiceNH) without prior written consent of the NH Coalition for Vaccination Choice (VacChoiceNH).