Special Report

COVID-19: This Is the State Fighting It Most Successfully

Evan Comen

Published: September 25, 2021 5:45 am

It has now been 40 weeks since the first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine were sent out to states, kicking off the largest vaccination campaign in human history. As of September 23, 469,561,625 doses of the vaccine have been sent out across the country — equivalent to 143.1% of the U.S. population.

While the initial distribution of the vaccine took longer than federal projections had indicated, in recent months the U.S. has made great leaps in the worldwide race to administer vaccinations — and some states are faring far better than others. Under the current system, led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sends states limited shipments of the vaccine as well as funding and tasks them with distributing the vaccine in accordance with relatively loose federal guidelines.

Each state has developed its own rollout plan, prioritizing different age groups and classes of essential workers. The mix of policies and logistical challenges across the country has led to wide variations between states in the percentage of vaccines that have been administered.

While nationwide 82.6% of distributed vaccine doses have been administered as of September 23, in New Mexico 94.4% of vaccine doses have been administered — the largest share of any state. In West Virginia, 52.0% of vaccine doses have been administered, the smallest share of any state.

Differences in vaccine administration from state to state have also led to variations in the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated. In Vermont, the number of administered doses amounts to 142.8% of the population — greater than the national vaccination rate of 118.2% and the largest share of any state. In West Virginia, the number of administered doses amounts to 85.8% of the population — the smallest share of any state.

While a majority of Americans remain unvaccinated due to a lack of supply, there are some who have no plans to receive a vaccine at all. According to a survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, 59.2% of U.S. adults 18 and over who have not yet received the vaccine will either probably not or definitely not get a COVID-19 vaccine in the future. The most common reason cited for not wanting a vaccine was being concerned about possible side effects. Other commonly cited reasons include not trusting COVID-19 vaccines, not trusting the government, and that they were planning to wait and see if it is safe.

To determine how states are doing with the vaccine rollout, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. States were ranked based on the number of vaccines administered within a state as a percentage of the number of vaccines distributed to that state by the federal government as of September 23. Data on confirmed COVID-19 cases as of September 23 came from various state and local health departments and were adjusted for population using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. Data on the percentage of adults who probably or definitely will not get a COVID-19 vaccine and their reasons for not getting one came from the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, conducted from August 18, 2021 to August 30, 2021.

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

50. West Virginia
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,954,885
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,537,865
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 52.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,598 per 100,000

These are all the counties in West Virginia where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Kruck20 / Getty Images

49. Alabama
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 6,589,940
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,441,961
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 67.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,878 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Alabama where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: knowlesgallery / Getty Images

48. Idaho
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,169,090
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,538,904
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 70.9%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,732 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Idaho where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

47. Mississippi
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 3,768,235
> Total vaccines administered within state: 2,730,863
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 72.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,106 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Mississippi where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

46. Georgia
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 14,327,025
> Total vaccines administered within state: 10,504,413
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 73.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,542 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Georgia where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

45. Arkansas
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 3,975,680
> Total vaccines administered within state: 2,974,638
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 74.8%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,133 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Arkansas where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: volvob12b / Flickr

44. Alaska
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,032,665
> Total vaccines administered within state: 775,149
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 75.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,518 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Alaska where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

43. South Carolina
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 6,748,995
> Total vaccines administered within state: 5,163,049
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 76.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,170 per 100,000

These are all the counties in South Carolina where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: mdgmorris / Getty Images

42. Delaware
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,550,285
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,188,342
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 76.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,244 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Delaware where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / Getty Images

41. Texas
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 41,381,005
> Total vaccines administered within state: 32,007,401
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 77.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,584 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Texas where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: 4nadia / Getty Images

40. Oregon
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 6,657,075
> Total vaccines administered within state: 5,173,200
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 77.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 7,465 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Oregon where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: f11photo / Getty Images

39. Louisiana
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 5,716,600
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,450,410
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 77.9%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,705 per 100,000

These are all the parishes in Louisiana where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

38. North Carolina
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 14,207,030
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,094,325
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 78.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,878 per 100,000

These are all the counties in North Carolina where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: pawel.gaul / Getty Images

37. Michigan
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 13,388,650
> Total vaccines administered within state: 10,505,445
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 78.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,228 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Michigan where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Cliff / Wikimedia Commons

36. Wyoming
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 648,605
> Total vaccines administered within state: 512,233
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,868 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Wyoming where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Davel5957 / Getty Images

35. Maryland
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 9,883,990
> Total vaccines administered within state: 7,877,281
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 8,640 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Maryland where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images

34. Kansas
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 3,820,035
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,045,775
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,708 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Kansas where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

33. Tennessee
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 8,456,840
> Total vaccines administered within state: 6,755,410
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.9%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 17,435 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Tennessee where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: iip-photo-archive / Flickr

32. Missouri
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 7,762,035
> Total vaccines administered within state: 6,204,731
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.9%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,131 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Missouri where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: csfotoimages / Getty Images

31. North Dakota
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 913,500
> Total vaccines administered within state: 731,561
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,702 per 100,000

These are all the counties in North Dakota where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: maximkabb / iStock

30. Hawaii
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,293,370
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,852,930
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.8%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 5,215 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Hawaii where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

29. Ohio
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 14,756,015
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,937,353
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.9%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,626 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Ohio where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Davel5957 / Getty Images

28. Indiana
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 8,196,950
> Total vaccines administered within state: 6,659,955
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 81.2%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,921 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Indiana where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: EunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images

27. South Dakota
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,157,815
> Total vaccines administered within state: 942,416
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 81.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,954 per 100,000

These are all the counties in South Dakota where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

26. New Hampshire
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,129,220
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,734,548
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 81.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 8,503 per 100,000

These are all the counties in New Hampshire where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

25. Florida
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 32,358,725
> Total vaccines administered within state: 26,392,751
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 81.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,423 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Florida where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: peeterv / Getty Images

24. Montana
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,310,195
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,074,405
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 82.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,334 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Montana where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

23. New Jersey
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 13,859,525
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,400,181
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 82.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,801 per 100,000

These are all the counties in New Jersey where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

22. Oklahoma
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 4,948,360
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,080,662
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 82.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,183 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Oklahoma where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: pabradyphoto / Getty Images

21. Iowa
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 4,137,915
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,416,694
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 82.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,967 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Iowa where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Dreamframer / Getty Images

20. Arizona
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 9,778,140
> Total vaccines administered within state: 8,119,649
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 83.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,711 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Arizona where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

19. Pennsylvania
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 19,061,995
> Total vaccines administered within state: 16,014,184
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 10,841 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Pennsylvania where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: aiisha5 / iStock

18. Washington
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 11,211,425
> Total vaccines administered within state: 9,461,298
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 8,287 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Washington where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: f11photo / Getty Images

17. Nevada
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 3,959,290
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,353,696
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,426 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Nevada where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

16. Virginia
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 12,637,845
> Total vaccines administered within state: 10,723,697
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.9%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 9,879 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Virginia where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

15. Maine
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,116,660
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,802,929
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.2%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 6,335 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Maine where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

14. Rhode Island
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,691,975
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,444,307
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,018 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Rhode Island where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

13. Kentucky
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 5,667,585
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,840,983
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,808 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Kentucky where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

12. Illinois
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 17,726,765
> Total vaccines administered within state: 15,149,254
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,640 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Illinois where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

11. Nebraska
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,503,380
> Total vaccines administered within state: 2,144,532
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,497 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Nebraska where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Scruggelgreen / Getty Images

10. Minnesota
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 7,688,700
> Total vaccines administered within state: 6,588,723
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,242 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Minnesota where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Bill_Dally / iStock

9. Utah
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 3,956,790
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,391,571
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,462 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Utah where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: choness / Getty Images

8. California
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 57,988,065
> Total vaccines administered within state: 50,100,113
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 86.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,713 per 100,000

These are all the counties in California where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

7. Vermont
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,027,460
> Total vaccines administered within state: 891,319
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 86.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 4,784 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Vermont where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: f11photo / Getty Images

6. Colorado
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 8,082,735
> Total vaccines administered within state: 7,086,638
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 87.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,378 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Colorado where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: FilippoBacci / Getty Images

5. New York
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 29,137,115
> Total vaccines administered within state: 25,547,966
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 87.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,247 per 100,000

These are all the counties in New York where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

4. Connecticut
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 5,575,055
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,980,413
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 89.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 10,832 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Connecticut where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

3. Massachusetts
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 10,870,010
> Total vaccines administered within state: 9,712,378
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 89.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,562 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Massachusetts where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

2. Wisconsin
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 7,300,995
> Total vaccines administered within state: 6,711,667
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 91.9%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,462 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Wisconsin where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Source: ferrantraite / Getty Images

1. New Mexico
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,912,585
> Total vaccines administered within state: 2,750,095
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 94.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,762 per 100,000

These are all the counties in New Mexico where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

Click here to see all coronavirus data for every state.