Hurricane Season - Are You Prepared?
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center predicts a below-normal hurricane season is the most likely outcome in the Atlantic basin this year for the 2026 hurricane season (June 1 to November 30.)
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1 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 610 -7273
Monday 8 AM – 6 PM
Tuesday – Thursday 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 8 AM – 1 PM
(603) 427 - 9995
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NH Dept of Health and Human Services Makes No Change in Vaccine Recommendations
Although the US Department of Health has changed its vaccine recommendations for children, Iain Watt, director of the public health division at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS) announced on January 7, 2026 that the state is not changing its recommendations for childhood vaccines.
Food Resources
SEACOAST AREA FOOD PANTRIES
As of November 3, 2025 two judges had ruled that SNAP beneficiaries must receive their benefits; and the Federal government announced that only half the usual amount will be processed and that loading EBT cards will take time.
In the meantime, the New Hampshire has partnered with the New Hampshire Food Bank to set up a fleet of state-funded mobile food pantries, just for SNAP recipients.
Participating Restaurants and Businesses that are committed to SKIP THE STUFF!
- American Food and Vending Corporation at Lonza 101 International Dr
- Choppystix 999 Islington St
- Five Guys 1390 Lafayette Rd
- Flatbread Company 138 Congress St
- Geno's Chowder & Sandwich Shop 177 Mechanic St
- Googie's Sandwich Shop 142
Health Department Applications and Fee Schedule
All of the Health Department's applications for food related businesses, foster care homes and child care/daycare businesses can be accessed through the City's online permitting system OpenGov/ViewpointCloud.
For more information please call the Health Department at 603.610.7238.
Packaging Juices at Retail
Manufacturing packaged (bottled) fruit and vegetable juices has increased in popularity in recent years due to the health benefits that juices can provide for consumers. To keep packaged juices healthy for consumers, retail food establishments must adhere to proper food safety protocols.
City Helps Launch Community Resource Network Website and Directory
H5N1 Bird Flu Update
Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox)
Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a rare disease that is caused by infection with mpox virus, of which there are two distinct clades (genetic types) identified. Mpox belongs to the Orthopox genus, which also includes the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox. Mpox is of public health concern because the illness is similar to smallpox and can be spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus.
Holiday Food Safety Tips
The holiday season brings people together to reconnect, celebrate and share festive traditional dishes. These meals can be memorable, and the Portsmouth Health Department offers the following food safety tips to help you prepare your meal safely so that your holiday isn’t spent dealing with foodborne illness.
Foodborne pathogens can cause severe and even life-threatening illnesses. Easy-to-do, safe food handling practices protect everyone from getting sick.