States with the highest and lowest vaccination rates
Massachusetts has the highest vaccination rate in the United States, according to a recent ranking from WalletHub.
The ranking, which examined where people are most responsible about getting vaccines, is timely as just 68% of Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of September 2022. Vaccines are incredibly effective at reducing the prevalence of viruses, such as polio, tetanus, measles and chicken pox. While vaccines are known to save lives––between 4 and 5 million each year, according to the World Health Organization––some states are ahead of others when it comes to vaccinating.
Here are the top 10 states with the highest vaccination rates:
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Connecticut
- Pennsylvania
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Minnesota
Massachusetts tops the list, with the No.1 ranking for children and teenagers immunization rate. In addition, the state has the top immunization uptake disparities and influencing factors, meaning Massachusetts achieved the best overall score when accounting for people without insurance, children in poverty, share of people fully vaccinated and other factors.
The ranking comes at a time when an anti-vaccination wave has had a negative impact on public health, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the globe. Education on the benefits of vaccination can help improve vaccination rates, but much of that effect lies within local authorities and states.
“It's not just in the U.S. that the anti-vaccination campaign is alive and well. Myths that the polio vaccine can affect fertility, for example, have hampered efforts to control polio in Pakistan and Nigeria, among others,” Catherine Troisi, PhD, infectious disease epidemiologist at UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, said in a statement. “Again, information from trusted sources can help counteract some of these untruths, but human psychology makes it very hard to change minds.”
In addition, vaccine mandates in schools and for certain occupations, such as the healthcare workforce, that are enforced can also be effective in improving vaccination rates.
Here are the bottom 10 states for vaccinating:
- Alabama
- Wyoming
- Texas
- Nevada
- Alaska
- Louisiana
- Georgia
- Florida
- Oklahoma
- Mississippi
Mississippi, the worst state in the nation for vaccinating, came in last for both the share of teenagers up to date on their HPV vaccinations as well as the influenza vaccination rate among children ages 6 months to 17 years.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."