RI Leads The Nation In Adult Flu Vaccines, New Ranking Shows

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is a national leader in vaccination rates, according to a new ranking. Personal finance website WalletHub compared vaccination rates across several categories, ranking the Ocean State fifth overall.

Rhode Island ranked first in the country in three categories: adult flu vaccination rates, and the share of teenagers aged 13 to 17 with MenACWY or an up-to-date HPV vaccination. The state also received high marks for childhood vaccination rates, ranking second in that category.

Neighboring Massachusetts ranked first in the country overall, followed by Vermont and New Hampshire. New Jersey, Georgia and Mississippi, respectively, made up the bottom three.

Rhode Island's ranking in each category are listed below.

• 2nd – Influenza Vaccination Rate in Children Aged 6 Months to 17 Years Old
• 1st – Share of Teenagers Aged 13-17 with Up-To-Date HPV Vaccination
• 1st – Share of Teenagers Aged 13-17 with MenACWY Vaccination
• 1st – Flu Vaccination Coverage Rate Among Adults
• 20th – Share of Adults with Tetanus Vaccination
• 16th – Share of Adults Aged 60 and Older with Zoster Vaccination
• 6th – Share of Children 19-35 Months old Living in Poverty with Combined 7-Vaccine Series
• 7th – Share of Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population without Health Insurance Coverage
• 5th – Share of Children Under 6 Years Old Participating in an Immunization Information System

Gov. Gina Raimondo previously said the coronavirus pandemic makes it more important than ever to get a flu vaccine this year.

"It's not just about keeping you safe, it's about making sure our hospitals don't get overrun," Raimondo said, explaining that the state will be redoubling its efforts to hold clinics and make vaccinations available throughout communities in Rhode Island.

In a typical year, Rhode Island is a national leader for flu vaccination rates, she said, averaging 55 percent in adults and 75 percent in children. While these rates are impressive, they "are not enough to get us safely through the winter," Raimondo said.

The full ranking is available on WalletHub's website.