Adolescent Vaccination Coverage in RI is Second in the Country

Email to a friend Permalink

Friday, October 22, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Editor Andrea E. McHugh

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the National Immunization Survey (NIS) – Teen survey showed that adolescent vaccination coverage in the Ocean State is the second highest in the nation. The three vaccines routinely recommended for teens include protection from serious diseases like tetanus, meningitis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). In 2009, the tetanus vaccination rate was 91.4% (compared to the national average of 76.2%), the meningitis vaccination rate was 75.7% (compared to the national average of 53.6%), and the HPV vaccination rate was 68.3% (compared to the national average of 44.3%).

Ongoing Effort

“These results are good news for Rhode Island,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “Through a combination of HEALTH’s Vaccinate Before You Graduate (VBYG) program and the work of adolescent healthcare providers, our state is protecting young adults against serious diseases before they leave high school. Our goal is to have 90% of adolescents get each of these vaccines. We have already reached this goal for the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) and hepatitis B vaccines.”

Looking Forward

This week, Providence plays host to the 4th Vaccine Renaissance Conference, an interactive program where leaders in vaccine research from around the country discuss progress in the field, new models, the current status of experimental vaccines, vaccine delivery, clinical trials and basic immunology. The conference takes place October 21-23 at URI’s Downtown Providence Campus and at the Hotel Providence.