A nurse prepares a syringe of a COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation station in Jackson, Miss., July 19, 2022. Rogelio V. Solis/AP photo, file. NH Vaccine Association—Courtesy. New Hampshire residents have always shown remarkable sense in getting vaccinated. We understand the value of avoiding deadly diseases through occasional injections. Currently, the cost of free vaccines for those under 19 is about $12, collected from various payers. Just look at local cemeteries to see the impact of vaccines before they were widely available.Anti-Vax Propaganda and its Implications
Anti-vax publicity chasers are now angling for positions in Trump's administration, and their attitude is seeping into Concord. Consider a proposed State House bill that aims to eliminate the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. This non-profit organization simplifies the vaccine distribution process, making sure free vaccines reach our kids. It's a straightforward arrangement with 11 similar groups across the country.How Vaccines are Decided
The decision about which vaccines we need is a long and complex process. It starts with an annual review by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, part of the Centers for Disease Control. This committee publicly debates which vaccines to recommend and when to authorize them. Many people are involved, monitoring infectious diseases worldwide and conducting research on vaccine effectiveness and safety. It involves a lot of science and risk/reward analysis.Once the Department of Health and Human Services knows which vaccines are recommended, it uses data from providers to project how much of each immunization will be needed. Each month, orders are placed with the CDC to maintain a 120-day supply.The Role of the Vaccine Association
The Vaccine Association's job is to handle the money aspect. They collect payments from health plans, insurers, and other payers and pass it on to the state to buy the vaccines. It's similar to a high-risk-pool mechanism. The carriers get discounts through the CDC, and on the provider side, it reduces administrative work. As of the last fiscal year, they raised about $24 million, with operating expenses slightly under 1% of the total. The association is overseen by a board of directors appointed by various officials.The Importance of Expanding the Free-Vaccine Program
Being able to boost our immune systems against specific diseases is a great achievement. New Hampshire should expand the free-vaccine program. Getting sick at any age is bad, as it removes workers from their jobs. In years past, similar pointless bills would be scuttled in committee, but now we can't be sure. We hope New Hampshire's practicality still prevails. We don't want to be like those in Vermont who are hesitant about vaccines.David Brooks can be reached at dbrooks@cmonitor.com.
