Thread by @NBCNews

Why have some states fared better than others with vaccine distribution.

Reporting by @David_Ingram, @PhilMcCausland and @ChicagoEl.

(1/7) #NBCNewsThreads nbcnews.to/3qTWOHA

@David_Ingram @PhilMcCausland @ChicagoEl While a few states are outliers on either end, the vast majority of states are at roughly the same level, according to an @NBCNews analysis of state vaccination data.

Of the 50 states, 44 have administered 70% to 90% of the doses that have been distributed to them. (2/7)

@David_Ingram @PhilMcCausland @ChicagoEl In the states outperforming the average, state authorities have often taken a strong hand in organizing local efforts, moved quickly to get the public signed up to participate, and have leaned on nearby federal institutions for help. (3/7) nbcnews.com/news/us-news/w…

@David_Ingram @PhilMcCausland @ChicagoEl Experts in states struggling with vaccination efforts believe some factors holding them back may be potentially higher degrees of hesitancy about the vaccines, and decisions made by state and local officials about prioritization and which providers administer shots. (4/7)

@David_Ingram @PhilMcCausland @ChicagoEl “The confidence and convenience issues are creating some of the vaccine hesitancy, particularly in some communities such as rural residents, Black adults and essential workers,” says Dr. Mary Anne Jackson of Missouri. (5/7) nbcnews.com/news/us-news/w…

@David_Ingram @PhilMcCausland @ChicagoEl State leaders in New Mexico and Alaska credit high inoculation rates to the centralization of their public health systems.

But more than anything, providers say the effort to maintain focus on putting shots in arms—drained of politics—has helped move the states forward. (6/7)

@David_Ingram @PhilMcCausland @ChicagoEl “There is a single goal, and that is to get the most people vaccinated in the shortest amount of time,” says Kate Becker, the CEO of University of New Mexico Hospitals. (7/7) nbcnews.com/news/us-news/w…