What Percent of Americans Are Vaccinated?

Vaccines are important tools to protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases. Since the widespread introduction of vaccines, the United States has seen dramatic reductions in the number of cases of some diseases. As vaccination efforts have increased across the country in recent years, there has also been an uptick in the percent of Americans who are vaccinated.

Understanding Vaccination Rates

Vaccination rates are measured as the percentage of Americans of all ages who have received a recommended vaccine. Vaccination rates vary across the United States, with some states reporting higher rates of vaccination than others. In addition, vaccination rates vary depending on the type of vaccine. Some vaccines, such as measles and rubella, are routinely recommended for all Americans, while others are given at the discretion of the patient or healthcare provider.

Vaccines and the Population

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 74.6 percent of the U.S. population has been vaccinated. In other words, over three-fourths of Americans are immunized against disease-causing agents. The CDC reports that this number has steadily risen over the past several years, with an average increase of 1.5 percent each year.

The CDC also reports that infant and toddler vaccination rates have seen some of the most dramatic increases. The CDC estimates that the routine immunization rate for infants and toddlers is now at approximately 85 percent. This is up from the approximately 68 percent rate reported in 2006. Vaccination rates are also increasing among young adults and the elderly, though the overall rate remains lower.

Conclusion

Overall, the rate of vaccination among Americans is steadily increasing. This is largely due to the efforts of public health authorities, healthcare providers, and parents who are pushing for more Americans to get vaccinated. These efforts have resulted in a steady increase in the percentage of Americans who are vaccinated, and this number will likely continue to increase in the coming years.