A tridemic is raging across the country, as cases of COVID, the flu and RSV have been rising since the fall. There is some good news, as kids in NJ are more protected than kids in other states, since New Jersey ranks sixth in terms of child vaccination rates.
In NJ, 63 percent of children got the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 55 percent of kids received the flu vaccine, according to a study from Quote Wizard. In terms of COVID, NJ kids ages 5-12 have a 46 percent vaccine rate and kids 12-17 have an 80 percent rate.
In comparison, Rhode Island at the number 1 spot has 80 percent of kids vaccinated for COVID and 79 percent vaccinated against the flu.
QuoteWizard compiled data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics to determine coronavirus and flu vaccination rates in each state. Data was compiled in the last week of December 2022. QuoteWizard used a composite score of both flu and coronavirus vaccination rates to determine each state’s overall vaccination rate.
Overall, the study found that vaccination rates are highest among older children (ages 12-17) and in the northeast and western parts of the country. Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut have the highest vaccination rates, while Wyoming, Mississippi and Tennessee have the lowest vaccination rates. The report says 41 million children haven’t received a coronavirus vaccine, and 39 million have not gotten a flu shot this year. Nationally, flu vaccination rates dropped by 21 percent during the height of the COVID pandemic.
The top 10 states with the most vaccinated kids are:
1. Rhode Island
2. Massachusetts
3. Connecticut
4. Virginia
5. Colorado
6. New Jersey
7. Maryland
8. Vermont
9. Washington
10. California
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reported that influenza and respiratory illness activity is high statewide. There had been three confirmed flu-associated pediatric deaths reported through Dec. 31. Overall, Influenza A (without a subtype) is at 73.16 percent, followed by A (H3N2) 22.71 percent, A (H1N1) at 3.82 percent, and B at 0.32 percent.
In terms of COVID, the daily metrics reported by the NJDOH on Jan. 10 are 1,469 new cases established by PCR testing, 713 additional probable bases established via antigen testing, 17 lab-confirmed deaths and six hospital-reported deaths.
Read More:
What is RSV and How Does it Affect Kids?
What Every Parent Needs to Know About the Flu
A Doctor Answers Your Questions About Rhinovirus and Enterovirus