HPV vaccine: 20 states that shun the shot
Is the HPV vaccine safe? Republican hopeful Michele Bachmann got some sharp jabs from scientists after claiming getting vaccinated could lead to mental retardation. The scientists say the vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection with human papillomavirus, which spreads easily during sexual activity and can lead to cervical cancer.
One thing's for sure. The HPV vaccine is a lot more popular in some states than in others. Keep clicking to see the 20 states where teens are least likely to have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine (based on most recent data from the CDC)...
20. Montana
Montana kicks off the list of states with lowest rates of HPV vaccination. In the Treasure State, 45.5 percent of teens have received at least one dose of HPV vaccine.
19. Ohio
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 44
18. Georgia
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 43.5
17. West Virginia
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 42.4
16. North Dakota
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 41.7
15. Maryland
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 41.6
14. South Carolina
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 41.5
13. Missouri
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 41.4
12. Florida
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 41.1
11. Alaska
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 40.8
10. Kansas
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 40.2
9. Kentucky
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 40.1
8. Illinois
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 39.7
7. Utah
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 39.2
6. Arkansas
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 37.9
5. Indiana
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 37
4. New Jersey
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 35.4
3. Mississippi
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 34
2. Tennessee
Percentage of HPV vaccination: 33.1
1. Idaho
Where are teens least fond of the HPV vaccine? Idaho - only 28.8 percent received at least one dose.