Cancer jab batch is withdrawn after death of girl, 14

Published on Tuesday 29 September 2009 22:23

THE Scottish Government has withdrawn cervical cancer vaccines belonging to the same batch given to a 14-year-old girl who died.

Natalie Morton died in hospital on Monday shortly after receiving the HPV1 Cervarix jab at Blue Coat Church of England School in Coventry.

However, last night the director of public health in Coventry revealed that Natalie had a "serious underlying medical condition" and the vaccination was "most unlikely" to have caused her death.

Caron Grainger, the director for public health at Coventry City Council, said: "The preliminary post-mortem results have revealed a serious underlying medical condition which was likely to have caused death.

"We are awaiting further test results which will take some time. However, indications are that it was most unlikely that the HPV vaccination was the cause of death. We would again like to reiterate our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Natalie Morton during this difficult time."

Earlier, the Scottish Government issued a statement saying the vaccine stocks had been withdrawn as a "precaution".

Scotland's chief medical officer, Harry Burns, said: "This death is tragic.

Obviously, parents and girls are anxious, but I would remind people that this is a vaccine with a very strong safety record. We await investigations by the UK regulatory authorities as a matter of priority."

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the vaccination programme would continue in Scotland: "The HPV vaccine is very safe. It has been rigorously tested and will save lives. For that reason, we think it's important to carry on with the programme, but clearly we will continue to take expert clinical advice."

In June, The Scotsman revealed that 150 girls had suffered an adverse reaction after receiving an injection of Cervarix, introduced last autumn following a high-profile advertising campaign.

Concerns about the jab have led to calls for the Scottish Government to review the 64 million programme.

Critics say guidance sent out by the Scottish Government to parents was vague and misleading.