Time has come to use the stick. Highest rate of vaccine opposition Requiring proof of vaccination – whether it's to board an airplane, attend a university or even to keep a job – certainly carries the risk of further inflaming a ridiculous cultural war (fueled by conspiracy theories and false information) over vaccinations. It's shameful that apart from Russia, the United States has the highest rate of vaccine opposition. But the harsh reality is that infections have risen sevenfold in the past six weeks, and more than 97% of those being hospitalized are among the unvaccinated, with spikes in states where inoculation rates are lower than the national average – including Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana and Missouri.