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State public health official outlines CDC change to MMR/varicella guidance; school mandates unchanged, officials say

Health and Human Services Oversight Committee · November 22, 2025
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Summary

Division of Public Health director described a CDC recommendation change limiting combined MMRV for first doses under age 4, and told the committee existing state school vaccine requirements remain the same; committee members asked about exemptions and funding for childhood vaccines.

The Division of Public Health told the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee on Nov. 21 that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its recommendation on measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccination: the combined MMRV product is no longer preferentially recommended for a first dose in children under 4, though it remains an acceptable option for the second dose.

Ian Won, introduced to the committee as director of the Division of Public Health, said the state will monitor federal developments and continue to review evidence-based guidance to protect residents. ‘‘We remain committed to maintaining access to safe and effective vaccination for New Hampshire residents and families who wish to pursue them,’’ he said.

Committee members asked whether federal guidance affects state mandates for schoolchildren. The Division said the state’s school vaccine requirements have not changed; the state currently requires nine vaccines for public school attendance and ten for child care, and statutory exemptions for religious or other reasons remain available through a documented process.

Representative Woods and others asked whether vaccine mandates are meaningful if funding or supply were constrained. Patricia Tilley, associate commissioner, said the Vaccines for Children federal program and partnerships with commercial insurers continue to fund childhood vaccine availability in New Hampshire "for the moment," but the department will continue to monitor supply and funding conditions.

The Division said it will continue to coordinate with providers and pharmacists to maintain access during respiratory virus season and to prioritize vulnerable populations such as seniors, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.