Special Report

COVID-19: These Are the States Fighting It Most Successfully

Evan Comen

Published: October 22, 2021 5:45 am

It has now been 44 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 October 20, 496,915,265 doses of the vaccine have been sent out across the country — equivalent to 151.4% 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 82.5% of distributed vaccine doses have been administered as of October 20, in New Mexico 94.0% of vaccine doses have been administered — the largest share of any state. In West Virginia, 51.5% 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 151.4% of the population — greater than the national vaccination rate of 125.0% and the largest share of any state. In West Virginia, the number of administered doses amounts to 88.3% 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 October 20. Data on confirmed COVID-19 cases as of October 20 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: 3,073,295
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,582,635
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 51.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,533 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: 6,981,680
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,722,919
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 67.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,609 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: 2,355,800
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,654,003
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 70.2%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,510 per 100,000

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

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

47. Georgia
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 15,191,605
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,112,199
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 73.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,217 per 100,000

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

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

46. Mississippi
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 3,962,095
> Total vaccines administered within state: 2,916,844
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 73.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,726 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

45. Arkansas
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 4,232,540
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,154,876
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 74.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,799 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: 1,120,305
> Total vaccines administered within state: 845,003
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 75.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,770 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: 7,300,675
> Total vaccines administered within state: 5,550,905
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 76.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 17,162 per 100,000

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

Source: RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / Getty Images

42. Texas
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 43,329,345
> Total vaccines administered within state: 33,629,302
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 77.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,356 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

41. Oregon
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 7,009,005
> Total vaccines administered within state: 5,469,322
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 78.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 8,269 per 100,000

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

Source: mdgmorris / Getty Images

40. Delaware
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,612,475
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,264,504
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 78.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,364 per 100,000

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

Source: Cliff / Wikimedia Commons

39. Wyoming
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 702,365
> Total vaccines administered within state: 552,014
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 78.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,784 per 100,000

These are all the counties in Wyoming 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: 15,236,810
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,977,720
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 78.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,795 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: 14,104,550
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,114,005
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 78.8%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,213 per 100,000

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

Source: f11photo / Getty Images

36. Louisiana
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 6,005,010
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,747,194
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,174 per 100,000

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

Source: maximkabb / iStock

35. Hawaii
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,455,760
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,944,508
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.2%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 5,638 per 100,000

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

Source: Davel5957 / Getty Images

34. Maryland
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 10,467,170
> Total vaccines administered within state: 8,300,797
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 9,107 per 100,000

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

Source: EunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images

33. South Dakota
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,265,955
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,005,436
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,955 per 100,000

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

Source: csfotoimages / Getty Images

32. North Dakota
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 987,440
> Total vaccines administered within state: 787,246
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 18,566 per 100,000

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

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images

31. Kansas
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 4,053,805
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,234,862
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 79.8%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,529 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

30. Ohio
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 15,746,665
> Total vaccines administered within state: 12,617,505
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,804 per 100,000

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

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

29. Tennessee
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 9,033,920
> Total vaccines administered within state: 7,243,138
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.2%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 18,534 per 100,000

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

Source: Davel5957 / Getty Images

28. Indiana
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 8,751,810
> Total vaccines administered within state: 7,037,030
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,800 per 100,000

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

Source: pabradyphoto / Getty Images

27. Iowa
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 4,479,145
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,606,128
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,971 per 100,000

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

Source: iip-photo-archive / Flickr

26. Missouri
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 8,174,025
> Total vaccines administered within state: 6,602,401
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 80.8%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,713 per 100,000

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

Source: peeterv / Getty Images

25. Montana
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,416,995
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,151,591
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 81.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,407 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

24. Florida
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 34,199,745
> Total vaccines administered within state: 27,895,167
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 81.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,883 per 100,000

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

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

23. New Jersey
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 14,543,675
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,986,277
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 82.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,299 per 100,000

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

Source: Dreamframer / Getty Images

22. Arizona
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 10,370,610
> Total vaccines administered within state: 8,559,033
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 82.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,552 per 100,000

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

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

21. New Hampshire
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,240,560
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,868,872
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 83.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 9,417 per 100,000

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

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

20. Illinois
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 18,760,535
> Total vaccines administered within state: 15,700,472
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 83.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,146 per 100,000

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

Source: aiisha5 / iStock

19. Washington
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 11,947,645
> Total vaccines administered within state: 10,032,178
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 9,127 per 100,000

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

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

18. Oklahoma
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 5,186,540
> Total vaccines administered within state: 4,356,617
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 15,998 per 100,000

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

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

17. Nebraska
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,695,850
> Total vaccines administered within state: 2,271,863
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,286 per 100,000

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

Source: f11photo / Getty Images

16. Nevada
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 4,199,220
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,541,997
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.3%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,318 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

15. Vermont
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,118,150
> Total vaccines administered within state: 944,870
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 5,419 per 100,000

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

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

14. Maine
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 2,251,640
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,903,235
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 7,270 per 100,000

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

Source: Scruggelgreen / Getty Images

13. Minnesota
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 8,263,970
> Total vaccines administered within state: 6,985,558
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 13,395 per 100,000

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

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

12. Pennsylvania
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 20,156,785
> Total vaccines administered within state: 17,058,311
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 84.6%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,798 per 100,000

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

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

11. Kentucky
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 6,084,385
> Total vaccines administered within state: 5,183,331
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.2%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,203 per 100,000

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

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

10. Virginia
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 13,351,725
> Total vaccines administered within state: 11,395,923
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.4%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 10,595 per 100,000

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

Source: Bill_Dally / iStock

9. Utah
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 4,214,640
> Total vaccines administered within state: 3,612,593
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 85.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,505 per 100,000

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

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

8. Rhode Island
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 1,764,925
> Total vaccines administered within state: 1,520,320
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 86.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 16,652 per 100,000

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

Source: f11photo / Getty Images

7. Colorado
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 8,632,545
> Total vaccines administered within state: 7,481,171
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 86.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,239 per 100,000

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

Source: choness / Getty Images

6. California
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 60,856,555
> Total vaccines administered within state: 52,756,139
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 86.7%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,117 per 100,000

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

Source: FilippoBacci / Getty Images

5. New York
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 30,913,935
> Total vaccines administered within state: 26,959,297
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 87.2%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,888 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. Massachusetts
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 11,483,550
> Total vaccines administered within state: 10,157,403
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 88.5%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,090 per 100,000

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

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

3. Connecticut
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 5,897,165
> Total vaccines administered within state: 5,254,042
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 89.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 11,139 per 100,000

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

Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images

2. Wisconsin
> Total vaccines distributed to state: 7,905,825
> Total vaccines administered within state: 7,122,435
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 90.1%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 14,688 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: 3,100,995
> Total vaccines administered within state: 2,916,382
> Pct. of distributed vaccines administered: 94.0%
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases: 12,579 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.