9 States Ranked Highest for Population Vaccination

According to the World Health Organization, vaccination saves approximately 4 to 5 million lives annually, a number supported by estimates published in the Lancet in 2024 that vaccination against 14 different diseases saved 154 million lives over the past 5 decades. Among those saved were 146 million children younger than age 5 years and of that group 101 million were infants younger than 1 year. Beyond the prevention of death, authors of the 2024 study found that every life saved through immunization translated to an average of 66 years of full health.

While vaccination coverage for core immunizations among both children and adults in the United States remains high overall, recent CDC surveillance highlights notable disparities in uptake between states and population subgroups. Gaps in insurance coverage, logistical challenges, and misinformation are persistent barriers, continuing to impact communities unevenly and contributing to lower coverage rates in some regions and among specific demographic groups.

A recent study conducted by WalletHub examined the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics to see where Americans appear to be most responsible about getting vaccines. The data set ranges from the rates of children, teens and adults vaccinated against various diseases to the share of people without health insurance.

The findings presented in this PPT provide timely insights into these disparities and influencing factors by comparing states on three key dimensions: 1) Children & Teenagers Immunization Rates, 2) Adult & Elderly Vaccination Rates, and 3) Immunization Uptake Disparities & Influencing Factors. The data can inform clinicians, educators, and policymakers seeking to direct resources, strengthen outreach, and promote equitable protection against preventable illness.

According to the World Health Organization, vaccination saves approximately 4 to 5 million lives annually,¹ a number supported by estimates published in the Lancet in 2024 that vaccination against 14 different diseases saved 154 million lives over the past 5 decades. Among those saved were 146 million children younger than age 5 years and of that group 101 million were infants younger than 1 year. Beyond the prevention of death, authors of the 2024 study found that every life saved through immunization translated to an average of 66 years of full health.²

A recent study conducted by WalletHub examined the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics to see where Americans appear to be most responsible about getting vaccines. The data set ranges from the rates of children, teens and adults vaccinated against various diseases to the share of people without health insurance.