Denver (AP) An estimated 78 percent of Colorado children under age 3 were considered fully immunized last year, according to the annual national immunization survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The national average was about 77 percent of children under age 3 receiving six vaccinations for childhood diseases like measles, polio and chickenpox.

Governor Ritter has set a goal for the state to surpass an 80 percent immunization rate.

Colorado's rate ranked 18th among states, although state health officials say the statistical variation associated with the survey means there's virtually no difference between Colorado and most states.

The 2006 rate for Colorado was listed at about 76 percent.