SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials say teen vaccination rates improved in most categories in 2011.
The state Health Department says data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows New Mexico's coverage in certain areas is above the national rate.
Tetanus, whooping cough and diphtheria vaccinations increased to 81.3 percent of teens 13 to 17. The national rate was 78.2 percent.
Vaccinations to protect against chicken pox were also above the national rate, with more than 70 percent of New Mexico teens being covered.
New Mexico coverage for the first dose of Human Papilloma Virus vaccine is higher than the national rate for girls and boys. However, rates for completion of the three-dose HPV series dropped slightly among girls in 2011.
Health Secretary Catherine Torres says she wants to see more New Mexicans get their vaccinations.
