New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has signed a bill into law saying residents can't be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access public facilities, benefits or services.

Supporters say the bill signed this week establishes 'medical freedom' by specifying that all residents have the 'natural, essential and inherent right to bodily integrity, free from any threat or compulsion by government to accept an immunization.'

The law does not, however, supersede the state law regarding vaccinations as a prerequisite for admission to school. That law lists seven required vaccinations but does not currently include the COVID-19 vaccine.

The new law also does not apply to county nursing homes, the state psychiatric hospital or other medical facilities operated by the state or other governmental bodies. 

As well, it allows mandatory immunizations in prisons and jails when there is a significant health threat.

New Hampshire currently far exceeds the national average vaccination rate, with 58 percent of the total state population fully vaccinated, versus 49 percent nationwide.

However, vaccinations have been slowing in New Hampshire, with just 1,000 shots per week.

Sununu, a Republican, has encouraged residents to get vaccinated, but says that the role of individual choice is important.

'Right now, it's folks' individual responsibility. If someone hasn´t been vaccinated at this point, they´ve made that conscious decision not to,' he said last week.