More and more kids are fully immunized against infectious diseases, in preparation for the start of the school year this week, according to a study released Thursday.
However, although the number of fully vaccinated kindergarten students is considered high - with approximately 90 percent getting most of their recommended vaccines - there have been fewer 11 and 12 year olds that get their required shots, according to USA Today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported otherwise, showing some progress among this age group.
According to the report, about 54% of girls received at least one dose of HPV vaccine in 2011 and 2012. Only 33% of girls received all three recommended HPV shots.
The CDC recommended HPV shots for girls in 2006 and expanded their recommendations for boys only in 2011. This was based on a study that showed the shots prevented both male and female from acquiring genital warts.
Doctors and physicians also concluded that vaccinating boys against HPV could help protect their partners from cervical cancer, the USA Today reported.
Although there is a relative increase in the number of vaccines the past couple of years, it was confirmed by the CDC that teens still fall below national goals.
Only 36 states are able to meet the goal of the CDC for Tdap coverage, while only 12 states meet the goal for meningitis vaccination. Nine states meet the goal for chickenpox.
