Massachusetts Is The Most Vaccinated State In America

It seems like everywhere you go this time of year, you're dodging someone's sneeze or wiping down a railing before using it. If you're paranoid about picking up something nasty, WalletHub has some good news for you.

Massachusetts was named this week the most vaccinated state in America, according to a study by the personal finance website. The study was based on 18 metrics, many of which the Bay State was in the top five for.

Massachusetts has the highest immunization rate for children and teenagers, the highest share of children under 6 participating in an immunization information system and the lowest share of civilian noninstitutionalized population without health insurance coverage.

Bay State residents also were second in influenza vaccination rates in children between 6 months to 17 years, the third-highest share of teenagers 13-17 with up-to-date HPV vaccinations and the fifth-highest share of teenagers 13-17 with men ACWY vaccination.

It wasn't just the youth that buoyed Massachusetts' top ranking. Adult residents have the sixth-highest flu vaccination coverage rate and 13th-highest share of tetanus vaccination.

You should feel confident traveling around New England, too. Vermont finished second in WalletHub's rankings, with Rhode Island third, North Dakota fourth and New Hampshire fifth.

The least vaccinated states were Georgia, Florida, Texas and Mississippi.

Read WalletHub's full study, including methodology.