Massachusetts reaches highest flu vaccination rates in nation

According to the 2012-2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the National Immunization Survey (NIS), Massachusetts had the highest influenza vaccination rate in the nation for all residents 6 months of age and older. In Massachusetts 58% of residents had received influenza vaccine, compared with 45% nationally.

Other highlights from these national surveys include:

  • Influenza vaccination rates in Massachusetts increased for every age group during the 2012-2013 over the previous flu season, except for children 6 months – 4 years of age.
  • The largest increase in vaccination rates over the previous season was for adolescents 13 – 17 years of age. Influenza vaccination of this age group increased 28 percentage points from 39% in 2011-2012 to 67% in 2012-2013.
  • Children 6 months – 4 years of age had the highest influenza vaccination rate, 83%, of any age group in the state.
  • Massachusetts led the nation in influenza vaccination of adults 18 – 64 years of age and adults 18 – 49 years of age.
  • Disparities in influenza vaccination rates between whites and other race/ethnicities for everyone 6 months and older in Massachusetts have virtually disappeared. During the last flu season, 56% of whites; 56% of blacks; 65% of Hispanics; and 60% of those identifying as other or multiple race had received flu vaccine.
  • Massachusetts led the nation in the rate of vaccination of Hispanic residents – 65% in Massachusetts vs. 43% nationally.

For more information:

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Estimates 2012-13

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Rates in MA 2012-13 flu season

Congratulations to everyone involved in administering influenza vaccine in Massachusetts during the 2012-2013 flu season! The residents of our state are better protected because of your work.