One in four teen girls have received the relatively new vaccine against human papillomavirus, according to U.S. federal health officials.
The figures represent the government's first substantial study of vaccination rates for the Gardasil vaccine, Merck’s heavily advertised three-shot series of vaccinations.
The survey only covered children in the 13-17 age range.
Many families are cautious about the safety of new vaccines. It is also expensive, retailing for about $375, and there are questions about whether it confers lifetime immunity or if a booster shot will be needed.