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The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Montana ranks in last place nationwide for vaccinating children.

The 2008 figures say 59 percent of Montana children receive the nation's standard series of immunizations. Children ages 18 to 36 months receive the series before starting school. The vaccinations include polio, hepatitis, and more. Gallatin City County Health Officer, Matt Kelley, said there are many reasons why Montana's rate might be as low as it is, adding it's a confusing issue.

"People who are concerned about these issues are genuinely concerned, there's a lot of misinformation out there. there's a lot of misperceived information out there," Kelley said. "We know though, the benefits of vaccinating your children far outweigh any perceived disadvantages of vaccinating your children."

Kelley says throughout history, mankind has beaten back diseases such as polio and diptheria, but they are still out there.He cites a recent deadly whooping cough outbreak in California as evidence that low vaccination rates can create new epidemics of old illnesses.

"Every time a parent decides not to vaccinate their child they're not just putting their child at risk, they're placing at risk every child in the community," Kelley said.

Next month, The Gallatin City-County Health Department is teaming up with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and the Community Health Partners to establish a marketing campaign to urge parents to get their children immunized. Kelley says it's an important discussion the state needs to have.

Massachusetts places first nationwide for child vaccinations, with 82 percent.