With vaccines preventing 3.5 to 5 million deaths per year worldwide, according to the WHO, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the States that Vaccinate the Most in 2026, as well as expert commentary, to identify where Americans are most protected from preventable diseases.
WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics, ranging from the share of children, teens and adults vaccinated against various diseases to the share of people without health insurance.
Vaccination in New Hampshire (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-that-vaccinate-the-most/66237
“Seeing as being anti vaccination has become trendy in some circles and misinformation is all over the internet, it’s more crucial now than ever to spread awareness of the benefits of vaccines and make sure as many people as possible receive potentially life-saving immunizations. The states that vaccinate the most provide the safest environments when it comes to public health, as the likelihood that the next outbreak will begin or spread there is minimized.”
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“Vermont is the state with the best vaccination coverage. Nearly 87% of babies under three years old have received the combined seven-vaccine series, the highest rate in the country. Vermont has one of the highest rates of influenza vaccination coverage for children, helping protect young residents against seasonal illness. Finally, Vermont has the highest share of the population over 60 years who have received the Zoster vaccinations, which means the state has been relatively effective in promoting preventive healthcare measures among its older residents, too.”
- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Expert Commentary
What are the steps local authorities can take in order to counter the current anti-vaccination trend?
“The most important thing that vaccination providers and health care officials can do to promote vaccines is to make getting vaccines convenient. This includes evening and weekend appointments, and having vaccines readily available for families accessing any part of a health care system.”
Abram L. Wagner, PhD, MPH – Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
According to the World Health Organization, vaccine resistance is one of the top global health challenges. What measures should be taken to reduce vaccine exemptions and safeguard the at-risk population?
“In the United States, vaccine policies operate at the state level. Instituting vaccine mandates is a strong way to maintain high vaccination coverage for children vulnerable to severe diseases that vaccines can prevent. Different states can vary how they put out mandates. At the minimum it can be important to have systems in place to educate families about vaccines before giving out waivers.”
Abram L. Wagner, PhD, MPH – Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
What role should the media play in educating the public when it comes to vaccination hesitancy?
“It is helpful for the media to provide education about vaccine preventable diseases and showcase how measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and other devastating infections can be life threatening.”
Abram L. Wagner, PhD, MPH – Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics, ranging from the share of children, teens and adults vaccinated against various diseases to the share of people without health insurance.
Vaccination in New Hampshire (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
- Overall rank: 3rd
- 16th – Influenza Vaccination Rate in Children Aged 6 Months to 17 Years Old
- 5th – Share of Teenagers Aged 13-17 with Up-To-Date HPV Vaccination
- 9th – Share of Teenagers Aged 13-17 with Men ACWY Vaccination
- 6th – Flu Vaccination Coverage Rate Among Adults
- 2nd – Share of Adults with Tetanus Vaccination
- 18th – Share of Adults Aged 60 and Older with Zoster Vaccination
- 11th – Share of Children 19-35 Months old Living in Poverty with Combined 7-Vaccine Series
- 11th – Share of Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population without Health Insurance Coverage
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-that-vaccinate-the-most/66237
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“Vermont is the state with the best vaccination coverage. Nearly 87% of babies under three years old have received the combined seven-vaccine series, the highest rate in the country. Vermont has one of the highest rates of influenza vaccination coverage for children, helping protect young residents against seasonal illness. Finally, Vermont has the highest share of the population over 60 years who have received the Zoster vaccinations, which means the state has been relatively effective in promoting preventive healthcare measures among its older residents, too.”
- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Expert Commentary
What are the steps local authorities can take in order to counter the current anti-vaccination trend?
“The most important thing that vaccination providers and health care officials can do to promote vaccines is to make getting vaccines convenient. This includes evening and weekend appointments, and having vaccines readily available for families accessing any part of a health care system.”
Abram L. Wagner, PhD, MPH – Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
According to the World Health Organization, vaccine resistance is one of the top global health challenges. What measures should be taken to reduce vaccine exemptions and safeguard the at-risk population?
“In the United States, vaccine policies operate at the state level. Instituting vaccine mandates is a strong way to maintain high vaccination coverage for children vulnerable to severe diseases that vaccines can prevent. Different states can vary how they put out mandates. At the minimum it can be important to have systems in place to educate families about vaccines before giving out waivers.”
Abram L. Wagner, PhD, MPH – Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
What role should the media play in educating the public when it comes to vaccination hesitancy?
“It is helpful for the media to provide education about vaccine preventable diseases and showcase how measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and other devastating infections can be life threatening.”
Abram L. Wagner, PhD, MPH – Assistant Professor, University of Michigan