TORONTO - Half of eligible Grade 8 girls in Ontario are not taking advantage of free vaccines that could help prevent cervical cancer.

Health Ministry numbers show 40,000 girls have consented to the first of three vaccines.

But there are a total of 76,000 girls who are eligible for the free vaccine through their school board.

Premier Dalton McGuinty unveiled the vaccination program with much fanfare last summer, saying it would save lives.

McGuinty says it's still "early days,'' and the province is monitoring the success of the vaccinations.

He says the Liberals will look at whether they need to boost advertising and education about the vaccine.