VaxWellNH: Revitalizing a Community Coalition to Reduce Vaccine-Preventable Disease in New Hampshire

Written By Tory Jennison

VaxWellNH was created in January 2021 to bring partners together around a shared goal: use clear, science-based information to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases in New Hampshire. Today, as misinformation grows and immunization rates fall, that mission matters more than ever.

VaxWellNH is now relaunching as a streamlined, collaborative Community of Action focused on strengthening trust, supporting providers, and making accurate information easier for Granite Staters to find and use.

Why Now? A Changing Immunization Landscape

Across the country, the environment around vaccines has become more confusing. Common challenges include:

  • Persistent public skepticism following the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Widespread mis- and disinformation

  • Reduced expert capacity at federal agencies

  • Shifts in vaccine advisory processes (e.g., ACIP)

  • Conflicting state-level guidance from ACIP vs. AAP

  • Rising 2026 ACA Marketplace premiums affecting access to preventive care

These national trends have been mirrored—and in some cases amplified—here in New Hampshire.

What New Hampshire Is Facing

Locally, several policy and access issues are contributing to lower confidence and lower vaccination rates:

  • Legislative efforts that could affect the NH Vaccine Association’s ability to function

  • Limited pharmacy access for Medicaid members due to MCO–pharmacy contracting gaps

  • Newly filed legislation aiming to:

    • Restrict school-based vaccination clinics

    • Roll back childhood immunization requirements

    • Prohibit state agencies from promoting vaccines

As a result, many families and providers are navigating inconsistent information and fewer access points.

Introducing VaxWellNH 2.0: A Community Coalition of Action

NHPHA is bringing VaxWellNH back with a renewed structure and a clear purpose:
Increase vaccination acceptance and immunization rates by sourcing, sharing, and amplifying science-based information.

VaxWellNH 2.0 draws on principles of Community Coalition Action Theory, emphasizing:

  • Collaborative leadership

  • Rapid information sharing

  • Practical tools for communities and providers

  • Accessible, evidence-based public messaging

Our Initial Priorities

1. Re-Convene the Coalition

  • Rebuild and expand partner contacts

  • Host a virtual Coalition Kickoff
    Join us on Tuesday, December 9 @ 10:00 AM   (Register HERE!)

  • Refresh VaxWellNH.org with simple, clear, credible content

2. Support Health Care Providers

  • Reinforce the essential role of provider recommendations

  • Identify barriers (time pressures, misinformation, workflow challenges)

  • Co-design supports informed by research and coalition insight

3. Improve Public Information Access

  • Rapidly develop downloadable, ready-to-use vaccine communication tools

  • Offer trainings requested by coalition members

  • Amplify advocacy messages that promote evidence-based immunization policy

As New Hampshire faces rising misinformation, shifting policies, and real barriers to vaccine access, VaxWellNH’s mission is both urgent and achievable. By bringing partners together, strengthening provider support, and making trusted information easier for families to find, we can rebuild confidence and protect the health of every community in our state. This work begins now—and it will take all of us.

Tory Jennison https://www.nhpha.org
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A Call for Accurate Public Health Communication - Reaffirming the Safety and Importance of Vaccines