Letter: Vaccinated children lead to adults

Published: 05-01-2023 7:00 AM

News that some of our representatives have put forward a bill that would prohibit in-school vaccination clinics has me deeply concerned. Many children from marginalized backgrounds, who may be unhoused or under-resourced, rely on these clinics. HB 539 would chip away at a system that is keeping children and families safe and healthy, for no benefit. Our ability to protect our children and our community from vaccine-preventable diseases is something that should not be politicized. What’s more, this bill was introduced at a time when child vaccination rates are falling around the world. According to one new report, 67 million children did not get basic vaccines that would have protected them against diseases like measles and polio as a result of disruptions caused by the pandemic (Shot @ Life, UNICEF).

Many of the children who missed out are in the most marginalized communities, just like the New Hampshire children who will lose access to vaccines if this bill passes. As a mother and grandmother, I feel strongly that no child should miss out on access to lifesaving vaccines because of where they live or what their family circumstances are. We have to urge our representatives to defend New Hampshire families’ access to vaccines here at home, and to support programs that expand access to vaccines abroad. Because every child deserves a shot at a healthy life.

Mary McGahan

Concord

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