Special Report
States Where the Most People Are Refusing the COVID-19 Vaccine
Published:
According to public health experts, vaccines are one of the best ways to protect against the continued spread of COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms. Still, many Americans remain hesitant.
According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, 28,700,000 Americans — or 11.5% of the 18 and older population — say they will either probably or definitely not agree to receive the vaccination.
The share of Americans who will likely refuse vaccination varies considerably nationwide, from as many as 22.6% of the adult population to as little as 4.6%, depending on the state. States where the largest shares of adults are open to taking the vaccine are concentrated in the Northeast, while states where the largest shares of adults are unlilely to take the vaccine are in concentrated in the West.
Many Americans who have yet to be vaccinated cite one of three reasons: either they are concerned about possible side effects, or they want to wait to see if it is safe, or it is difficult for them to obtain a vaccination. Others cite different reasons.
Nationwide, 16,290,000 people, 6.5% of the adult population, do not trust the COVID-19 vaccines, and another 8,350,000, or 3.4%, do not think COVID-19 is a big threat. Additionally, 12,340,000 American adults, or 5.0% of the 18 and older population, have not been vaccinated because they do not trust the government.
Meanwhile, the virus continues to spread. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 79,292,582 confirmed cases of the virus and a total of 971,569 Americans have died as a result.
So far, 217,639,435 Americans — or 66.5% of the total population — have received the full course of vaccinations necessary to protect against COVID-19.
All survey data used in this story was published by the Census on March 23, 2022. All data related to COVID-19 infections, fatalities, and vaccinations is current as of March 31, 2022.
50. Connecticut
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 4.6% (124,657 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,795,202 (78.2% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 20,589 per 100,000 people (total: 735,575)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 302 per 100,000 people (total: 10,779)
49. Massachusetts
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 5.1% (272,014 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 5,387,612 (78.1% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 24,568 per 100,000 people (total: 1,695,750)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 291 per 100,000 people (total: 20,097)
48. Vermont
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 5.6% (27,406 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 502,896 (80.3% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 17,224 per 100,000 people (total: 107,872)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 94 per 100,000 people (total: 587)
47. California
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 6.4% (1,904,893 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 28,100,914 (71.0% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 22,959 per 100,000 people (total: 9,082,073)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 222 per 100,000 people (total: 87,956)
46. Maryland
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 6.6% (300,448 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 4,530,532 (75.0% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 16,739 per 100,000 people (total: 1,011,498)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 237 per 100,000 people (total: 14,343)
45. Hawaii
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 6.8% (73,082 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,101,128 (77.5% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 16,443 per 100,000 people (total: 233,569)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 96 per 100,000 people (total: 1,361)
These are all the counties in Hawaii where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
44. New Jersey
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 7.3% (493,828 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 6,655,799 (74.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 24,661 per 100,000 people (total: 2,196,970)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 373 per 100,000 people (total: 33,225)
43. Maine
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 7.3% (77,947 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,059,244 (79.1% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 17,602 per 100,000 people (total: 235,584)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 164 per 100,000 people (total: 2,201)
These are all the counties in Maine where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
42. Delaware
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 7.5% (56,775 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 665,413 (68.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 26,826 per 100,000 people (total: 259,453)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 294 per 100,000 people (total: 2,846)
41. Rhode Island
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 7.7% (62,886 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 864,131 (81.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 32,430 per 100,000 people (total: 342,887)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 333 per 100,000 people (total: 3,522)
40. New York
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 7.9% (1,175,155 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 14,818,932 (75.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 25,447 per 100,000 people (total: 4,972,820)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 344 per 100,000 people (total: 67,303)
39. Virginia
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 8.7% (563,985 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 6,192,134 (72.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 19,584 per 100,000 people (total: 1,668,088)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 231 per 100,000 people (total: 19,674)
38. Washington
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 8.8% (517,399 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 5,487,268 (72.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 19,293 per 100,000 people (total: 1,453,825)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 165 per 100,000 people (total: 12,460)
37. New Mexico
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 8.9% (141,157 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,474,951 (70.4% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 24,702 per 100,000 people (total: 517,608)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 345 per 100,000 people (total: 7,234)
36. Illinois
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 9.3% (891,735 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 8,646,386 (67.9% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 24,059 per 100,000 people (total: 3,065,321)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 295 per 100,000 people (total: 37,631)
35. Utah
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 10.0% (227,271 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,044,536 (64.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 29,346 per 100,000 people (total: 927,649)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 149 per 100,000 people (total: 4,711)
These are all the counties in Utah where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
34. Colorado
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 10.5% (468,217 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 4,016,838 (70.5% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 23,591 per 100,000 people (total: 1,343,645)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 210 per 100,000 people (total: 11,966)
33. New Hampshire
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 10.8% (115,906 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 942,592 (69.5% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 22,283 per 100,000 people (total: 302,253)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 181 per 100,000 people (total: 2,451)
32. Pennsylvania
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 10.9% (1,061,966 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 8,653,952 (67.6% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 21,706 per 100,000 people (total: 2,779,921)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 345 per 100,000 people (total: 44,238)
31. Oregon
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 11.7% (385,561 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,916,841 (69.6% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 16,786 per 100,000 people (total: 703,465)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 170 per 100,000 people (total: 7,115)
These are all the counties in Oregon where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
30. Texas
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 12.2% (2,597,992 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 17,629,456 (61.4% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 23,206 per 100,000 people (total: 6,660,640)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 299 per 100,000 people (total: 85,903)
These are all the counties in Texas where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
29. North Carolina
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 12.3% (985,555 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 6,281,123 (60.5% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 25,302 per 100,000 people (total: 2,627,220)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 223 per 100,000 people (total: 23,194)
28. Arizona
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 12.8% (715,636 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 4,434,102 (61.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 27,846 per 100,000 people (total: 1,997,037)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 403 per 100,000 people (total: 28,883)
27. Minnesota
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 12.9% (545,074 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 3,876,632 (69.1% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 25,462 per 100,000 people (total: 1,428,704)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 225 per 100,000 people (total: 12,610)
26. Michigan
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 13.2% (1,006,290 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 5,967,627 (59.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 23,874 per 100,000 people (total: 2,386,472)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 356 per 100,000 people (total: 35,622)
25. Alaska
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 13.7% (71,858 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 451,313 (61.2% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 32,331 per 100,000 people (total: 238,420)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 161 per 100,000 people (total: 1,189)
These are all the counties in Alaska where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
24. South Dakota
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.0% (89,817 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 535,202 (60.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 26,858 per 100,000 people (total: 236,955)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 326 per 100,000 people (total: 2,880)
23. Wisconsin
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.1% (626,724 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 3,789,564 (65.2% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 27,249 per 100,000 people (total: 1,584,157)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 246 per 100,000 people (total: 14,291)
22. Arkansas
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.1% (317,285 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,628,268 (54.0% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 27,630 per 100,000 people (total: 832,718)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 372 per 100,000 people (total: 11,211)
21. Nevada
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.2% (339,964 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,855,611 (61.2% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 23,497 per 100,000 people (total: 712,983)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 331 per 100,000 people (total: 10,058)
These are all the counties in Nevada where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
20. Alabama
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.2% (528,806 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,484,171 (50.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 26,496 per 100,000 people (total: 1,295,075)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 395 per 100,000 people (total: 19,284)
19. Georgia
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.3% (1,134,389 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 5,757,080 (54.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 23,646 per 100,000 people (total: 2,487,464)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 350 per 100,000 people (total: 36,868)
18. Kansas
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.8% (317,802 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,771,520 (60.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 26,442 per 100,000 people (total: 769,850)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 282 per 100,000 people (total: 8,222)
These are all the counties in Kansas where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
17. Oklahoma
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 14.9% (434,469 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,238,842 (56.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 26,204 per 100,000 people (total: 1,033,256)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 352 per 100,000 people (total: 13,889)
16. West Virginia
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 15.1% (208,313 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,024,540 (56.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 27,553 per 100,000 people (total: 497,553)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 376 per 100,000 people (total: 6,794)
15. South Carolina
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 15.1% (599,518 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,910,580 (57.2% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 28,877 per 100,000 people (total: 1,468,140)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 346 per 100,000 people (total: 17,591)
14. Florida
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 15.1% (2,585,803 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 14,271,700 (67.0% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 27,454 per 100,000 people (total: 5,847,587)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 343 per 100,000 people (total: 73,138)
13. Iowa
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 15.2% (355,680 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,941,797 (61.5% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 24,031 per 100,000 people (total: 758,463)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 299 per 100,000 people (total: 9,445)
These are all the counties in Iowa where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
12. Nebraska
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 15.5% (219,846 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,221,452 (63.3% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 24,767 per 100,000 people (total: 477,830)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 215 per 100,000 people (total: 4,144)
11. Indiana
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 15.9% (799,687 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 3,669,304 (54.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 25,267 per 100,000 people (total: 1,690,823)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 349 per 100,000 people (total: 23,373)
10. Ohio
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 16.2% (1,430,614 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 6,784,882 (58.0% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 22,839 per 100,000 people (total: 2,669,698)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 323 per 100,000 people (total: 37,793)
These are all the counties in Ohio where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
9. Louisiana
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 16.6% (568,472 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,472,079 (53.0% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 25,069 per 100,000 people (total: 1,168,214)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 367 per 100,000 people (total: 17,104)
8. Tennessee
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 16.6% (866,001 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 3,689,874 (54.5% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 29,841 per 100,000 people (total: 2,020,262)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 378 per 100,000 people (total: 25,590)
7. Missouri
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 16.7% (771,093 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 3,411,127 (55.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 23,024 per 100,000 people (total: 1,410,529)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 326 per 100,000 people (total: 19,986)
6. Kentucky
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 16.8% (563,128 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 2,546,322 (57.0% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 29,399 per 100,000 people (total: 1,313,657)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 334 per 100,000 people (total: 14,928)
5. North Dakota
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 18.0% (100,868 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 416,375 (54.8% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 31,542 per 100,000 people (total: 239,746)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 295 per 100,000 people (total: 2,245)
4. Idaho
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 19.5% (261,584 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 958,184 (54.6% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 25,299 per 100,000 people (total: 443,792)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 278 per 100,000 people (total: 4,870)
These are all the counties in Idaho where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).
3. Mississippi
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 20.0% (438,604 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,531,437 (51.3% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 26,596 per 100,000 people (total: 794,292)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 415 per 100,000 people (total: 12,396)
2. Montana
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 21.4% (175,692 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 602,765 (56.7% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 25,653 per 100,000 people (total: 272,509)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 306 per 100,000 people (total: 3,246)
1. Wyoming
> Adults who will likely or definitely refuse vaccination: 22.6% (98,104 total)
> Residents who are fully vaccinated: 295,522 (51.2% of population)
> Confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date: 27,021 per 100,000 people (total: 156,112)
> COVID-19-related fatalities to date: 310 per 100,000 people (total: 1,791)
Click here to see all coronavirus data for every state.
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