10 States that Vaccinate the Most, According to a Recent Report
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have been a hot-button topic for many. When it came time to open up the world again post-pandemic after the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, some people were split on the issue.
Over the last few years, trust in vaccines has dropped. In 2021, 77% of people trusted vaccines, but by 2023, that number fell to 71%. At the same time, the number of people who think vaccines are unsafe went up from 9% to 16%.
But the majority still sees that vaccines save millions of lives each year with diseases like polio, measles, and chickenpox. These shots work best when most of the public gets them. It’s good to know which states are leading the way here. These places are working hard to spread the word and make sure more people get vaccinated, keeping their communities healthy.
Rhode Island
The stats aren’t lying. Rhode Island’s really setting the bar high when it comes to vaccinations. During COVID-19, over 95% of its residents rolled up their sleeves for at least one dose. Teens here lead the nation in HPV vaccinations, and kids have one of the highest flu shot rates. Even little ones under three are well-protected, ranking second for completing seven vaccine series against illnesses like polio and tetanus.
Make no mistake. It’s not just kids—adults in Rhode Island rank among the top for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Safe to say, Rhode Islanders prioritize health!
Massachusetts
You don’t have to worry about vaccines in Massachusetts—they’ve got it covered! It’s ranked second in the nation for vaccination coverage, with over 62% of adults getting flu shots and over 75% of kids joining in. They also have a top-notch vaccine database to track coverage and ensure communities stay protected.
Here’s something you probably don’t know: Teens in Massachusetts can make their own vaccination choices, even without parental consent. And if you’ve got kids, no worries because vaccines are required before they start kindergarten.
Maine
Did you know August is Immunization Awareness Month in Maine? It’s a big deal here, encouraging everyone to check their vaccine status and stay protected. With great access to healthcare and plenty of doctors available, it’s no surprise Maine ranks third nationwide for vaccination coverage. Adults lead with top tetanus and flu vaccine rates, keeping communities healthy year-round.
If you’re a teen—or raising one—you’re in good hands. Over 96% of Maine teens are vaccinated against meningitis, and 94% have their Tdap shots. Plus, teens can make vaccination decisions themselves. Talk about proactive health!
Washington
You can feel confident about vaccinations in Washington! With the fourth-best coverage in the country, it’s clear they take health seriously. The state rolled out a plan to vaccinate 45,000 people daily, and it’s working—86% of residents have at least one COVID-19 shot, and 76% are fully vaccinated. Plus, they rank high in protecting older adults with shingles vaccines.
Need your immunization records? Washington’s free online registry, My Immunization Record, makes it easy to access and print them anytime.
Maryland
Vaccinations are a big deal in Maryland, and it shows! With the fifth-best coverage nationwide, kids here are especially protected. Over 75% of children get their flu shots, and even families living in poverty ensure their little ones complete the vital seven-vaccine series. That’s what you call community care!
Getting vaccinated is easy, too. Maryland’s ImmuNet system keeps track of everyone’s immunization records, and vaccines are available at clinics, hospitals, and doctor’s offices. Fun fact: kids are automatically included in the system unless parents opt out. Now you know Maryland makes staying healthy simple for everyone.
Vermont
When it comes to vaccines, Vermont is leading the way in keeping adults and seniors healthy. It ranks sixth nationwide for vaccination coverage, with the fourth-highest flu shot rates among adults, the top spot for tetanus protection, and impressive zoster vaccine coverage for those 60 and older. Plus, nearly everyone here has health insurance, so access isn’t a problem.
Vermont’s Immunization Program makes staying protected easy. Their secure Vermont Immunization Registry tracks your records, so providers and schools always have what they need. It’s all about keeping Vermonters safe!
Minnesota
Vaccination is a strong point for Minnesota, ranking seventh nationwide! Adults here shine with top-three rankings for tetanus and zoster shots. Plus, the state leads in ensuring children living in poverty complete the vital seven-vaccine series. It’s proof that Minnesota cares about protecting everyone, no matter their circumstances.
But there’s room to grow. Kindergartners in Minnesota fall below the national average for required immunizations due to a broad exemption law. Addressing this gap could make a big difference, ensuring even more kids are protected against preventable diseases.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire does a great job with vaccinations, ranking eighth nationwide. Adults here are especially covered, with the second-highest tetanus shot rates. Teens aren’t left behind either—nearly every 13- to 17-year-old is up to date on HPV vaccinations, making the state a leader in protecting future generations.
The NH Immunization Program ensures all kids get their shots, no matter their family’s income or insurance status. But there’s a catch: New Hampshire has one of the lowest rates of children under six in its immunization information system. Definitely room to step it up!
Washington, D.C.
D.C. Health is all about keeping everyone in the nation’s capital secure! With the ninth-best vaccination coverage in the country, the District is a leader in flu shots for kids and teens, plus it boasts one of the highest HPV vaccination rates.
But it doesn’t stop there. DC also leads in flu shot coverage for adults and has one of the lowest rates of uninsured residents. Plus, more kids under six are tracked in the immunization system here than anywhere else. Clearly, D.C. has a solid vaccination strategy.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s Immunization Program is doing great work, aiming to protect everyone from preventable diseases, no matter their age. With the 10th-best vaccination coverage in the country, the state continues to push for higher vaccination rates, especially for kids and adults.
The results speak for themselves. Connecticut boasts the fourth-highest flu vaccination rate for kids and ranks fifth for adults. Despite national declines in childhood vaccination, the state’s efforts keep coverage on the rise, making sure families stay protected throughout the year.
Source: WalletHub
New Report Reveals 12 of the Best and Worst Cities in the U.S. for an Active Lifestyle
A recent study highlighted some of the best cities in America for leading an active lifestyle. They have walkable streets, bike-friendly paths, public athletic fields, and easy access to hiking trails and swimming spots. Of course, not every city is hitting those goals. We’re also highlighting the cities that don’t do us any favors when trying to stay fit.
Read more: New Report Reveals 12 of the Best and Worst Cities in the U.S. for an Active Lifestyle
10 of the Best U.S. States To Live In, According to a New Study
Recently, a study dug into the nitty-gritty of all 50 states, looking at housing costs, income growth, hospital quality, education rates, average hours worked per week, and commute times. After crunching all those numbers, the results are in for the ten best states to live in.
Read more: 10 of the Best U.S. States To Live In, According to a New Study
10 of the Worst States To Live In, According to a New Study
It’s a harsh world out there, especially if you’re trying to find the best place to call home. So, I’ve pulled together the top ten worst places to live based on real data from WalletHub, considering affordability, economy, education, quality of life, and safety. Get the rundown on why these states just don’t measure up.
Read more: 10 of the Worst States To Live In, According to a New Study
of the Best and Worst Places To Retire in the U.S., According to a New Study
In the U.S., some benchmarks make some areas better or worse for retirees than others. A recent study took a deep dive, ranking over 180 cities based on affordability, quality of life, healthcare, and fun activities. These are some of the best and worst cities to consider for your sunset years.
Read more: 12 of the Best and Worst Places To Retire in the U.S., According to a New Study
14 Fun Things to Do in Boston for First-Time Visitors
Whether you’re strolling the Freedom Trail, catching a game at Fenway, or indulging in some incredible food in the North End, Boston has something for every kind of traveler. This guide will take you through the city’s must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites—so you can make the most of your time in Beantown!
Read more: 14 Fun Things to Do in Boston for First-Time Visitors
