Source: New Hampshire Bulletin
New Hampshire lawmakers are considering House Bill 1488, which would allow certain pets to skip required rabies booster shots if owners provide antibody titer test results showing some level of immunity from prior vaccination. Sponsored by Rep. Keith Ammon, the bill was introduced at a constituent’s request over concerns about vaccine side effects and the difficulty of obtaining medical exemptions. The proposal would keep initial rabies vaccinations and the first booster mandatory but permit future exemptions with valid test results.
State veterinarians oppose the measure, arguing that titer tests only confirm prior vaccination, not immunity. No agreed-upon antibody threshold guarantees protection, making the tests unreliable for determining booster needs. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear and remains common in New Hampshire wildlife, though no recent human deaths have occurred due to strong vaccination rates. Tests cost $300 to $500 and are performed by only two U.S. labs. Officials maintain current vaccination schedules are vital for public health.