The state of Kentucky is conducting a public health awareness campaign encouraging parents to have thier children vaccinated against the HPV virus. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Stephanie Mayfield says the vaccine is safe, effective and provides long-lasting protection from most cancers caused by HPV Infection. However, while 38-percent of their target group nationwide receives the vaccine, only 27 percent of adolescent girls and 19 percent of boys in Kentucky do. Mayfield encourages parents to have their 11 and 12 year old boys and girls vaccinated. The campaign is being paid for by a $500,000 grant from the CDC.