NH Chapter: American Academy of Pediatrics

08/29/2026

The American Academy of Pediatrics is pushing back strongly against the executive order on childhood vaccines signed earlier this month.

With measles cases in the U.S. at a 35-year high, pediatric experts warn that creating confusion around vaccines could put children and communities at greater risk.

The AAP says there is no new evidence supporting major changes to childhood immunization guidance and emphasizes that decades of research involving millions of people have found no link between vaccines and autism.

On-time vaccination remains one of the most important tools for protecting children from serious, preventable diseases. If you have questions about your child’s vaccines, talk with their pediatrician or clinician.

Clear, evidence-based information matters- especially when children’s health is at stake.

Read the full statement here:

08/22/2026

The AAP is challenging medical misinformation that often times becomes amplified on social media . Earlier this month, the AAP addressed childhood vaccine misinformation directly:

"There is robust evidence to support the safety, effectiveness and necessity of AAP’s U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations. These recommendations are designed to prepare children’s bodies to resist contagious diseases as early and fully as possible, keeping kids healthy and active."

Read the rest of their statement here:

08/14/2026

This week, the AAP reaffirmed their recommendations for Childhood Vaccines, and highlighted how thousands of studies, decades of research, safety monitoring, and the expertise of countless physicians formed those recommendations, and the evidence continues to be sound, regardless of political considerations, speculations, or misinformation.

Learn more and read the statement here:

08/07/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Recently, NHAAP members Dr. Christine Arsnow, and Dr. Patricia Edwards sat down with The New Hampshire Medical Society to talk about some of the legislative challenges that healthcare has faced this year, communicating with patients in an era of misinformation, and the importance of community health.

Read more on the NHMS blog here:

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08/06/2026

You are invited to join a dynamic group of healthcare professionals committed to growing their leadership skills and making a greater impact in medicine. Spaces are filling quickly for the 2026 Academy for Advanced Leadership in Medicine! This program is designed to:

Develop practical skills and insights that can be applied directly to real-world challenges and opportunities in practice.
Strengthen leadership skills across disciplines and practice settings.
Learn through a longitudinal, case-based curriculum designed to build on the way healthcare professionals learn and apply new skills over time.
Explore issues that matter—with learning grounded in the realities of healthcare and clinical practice.
Start earning credits toward an MBA!

Learn more here: https://www.nhms.org/leadership-development-academy

Applications are now open - enrollment closes on September 8th. Space is limited, apply today.

08/04/2026

Pediatricians are a child's first line of defense against vaccine preventable diseases. By following the recommended immunization schedule, pediatricians help protect children while also safeguarding schools, families, and communities.
Pediatricians address questions and concerns with evidence based guidance and help families make informed decisions that keep children healthy throughout all stages of development.

This month, we celebrate and thank the physicians who work so hard to keep our children safe!

Find resources about childhood vaccinations here:

A curated collection of American Academy of Pediatrics guidance, clinical tools, and educational resources to support immunization practice and vaccine confidence.

07/27/2026

Last week, NHAAP Executive Director, and Executive Director of Association Services at New Hampshire Medical Society, Catrina Watson was acknowledged for her 20 years of service with NHAAP.

Congratulations Catrina!

07/13/2026

In late June 2026, the National AAP released a statement regarding the House passage of Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act.

one key excerpt from the statement:
“Children deserve digital spaces where they can be supported and thrive. The AAP commends Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for their bipartisan leadership on this bill and now looks to the Senate to continue this momentum. We look forward to working with Congress to pass the strongest child online privacy and safety protections this year.”

Read the full statement here: https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2026/aap-statement-on-house-passage-of-kids-internet-and-digital-safety-kids-act/

06/12/2026

This month, the American Academy of Pediatrics posted a journal regarding the perspectives of children and adolescents regarding support after facing child abuse.

The journal entry provides perspective to physicians on the challenges that these children face when recovering from traumatic events using their own voices to describe the challenges and successes of post child abuse care.

Read more about this topic in the AAP Journal below:

05/06/2026

NH Governor Ayotte Champions Mental Health:

Access to consistent, reliable healthcare coverage is essential for children, families, and the providers who care for them. A recent press release from the Governor's office highlights how ongoing efforts to strengthen coverage stability can have a meaningful impact on pediatric care across New Hampshire.

For pediatricians, more stable coverage means fewer disruptions in care, improved continuity for young patients, and a stronger ability to focus on prevention, early intervention, and long-term health outcomes. When coverage is more predictable, practices can better plan, coordinate care, and support families without unnecessary administrative barriers.

These types of developments also help ensure that children can maintain access to routine visits, vaccinations, and specialized services, all of which are critical to healthy growth and development. For providers, that translates into more effective care delivery and stronger relationships with the families they serve.

At the end of the day, policies that support access and stability don’t just benefit patients, they help create a more sustainable and effective environment for pediatricians working on the front lines of care in New Hampshire.

Read the full press release here:
https://www.publicnow.com/view/DBEC8B94EF33184261F4D33E16CFA72F29066EE0?fbclid=IwY2xjawRoaXpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXWllYb0xsVXNac3FnMmpFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeQRJ_BcZD8LZ3d0G2nmuoV6W-Wc3IHPEARVcii2y8WlVXk8HeGZEKFcqodVk_aem_ZYwO5xBrJZwAqAaJjfmnRw&brid=YWdncwGgRxFHO_PiX1efEJSo_6_F