WPRO News and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Health Department officials say nearly three-quarters of all Rhode Island seventh grade students received the state-mandated HPV vaccine by the beginning of this school year.

The Providence Journal reports that the data shows the rate of HPV vaccination still fell below the nearly perfect scores for more established immunizations such as chicken pox and measles. The information was released Wednesday.

Health Department director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said the numbers are “extremely encouraging” because it’s the first year the immunization was required.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most commonly sexually transmitted disease. While the disease mostly results in no symptoms, it can cause cancer — most commonly cervical cancer.

Advocacy group Rhode Islanders Against Mandated HPV Vaccinations questions the safety and necessity of the inoculation.