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Cancer jab suspension 'rejected' Cancer jab suspension 'rejected'
(13 minutes later)
A national cervical cancer immunisation programme should continue despite the death of a 14-year-old girl soon after receiving the jab, the government says.A national cervical cancer immunisation programme should continue despite the death of a 14-year-old girl soon after receiving the jab, the government says.
Natalie Morton was given the Cervarix jab at Coventry's Blue Coat School on Monday and fell ill a few hours later.Natalie Morton was given the Cervarix jab at Coventry's Blue Coat School on Monday and fell ill a few hours later.
Health officials are now looking to see whether there is a link to her death.Health officials are now looking to see whether there is a link to her death.
The Department of Health has ordered the batch of vaccine to be quarantined as a precaution, but insists there is no reason to stop the programme.The Department of Health has ordered the batch of vaccine to be quarantined as a precaution, but insists there is no reason to stop the programme.
Meanwhile, the vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, announced it was recalling the batch - AHPVA043BB - for testing.Meanwhile, the vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, announced it was recalling the batch - AHPVA043BB - for testing.
The Department of Health said it was working with the NHS and regulatory bodies to thoroughly investigate Natalie Morton's case.The Department of Health said it was working with the NHS and regulatory bodies to thoroughly investigate Natalie Morton's case.
A department spokesman said: "No link can be made between the death and the vaccine until all the facts are known.A department spokesman said: "No link can be made between the death and the vaccine until all the facts are known.
"Results of tests on the batch of vaccine will be announced as soon as they are known."Results of tests on the batch of vaccine will be announced as soon as they are known.
Headteacher Dr Julie Roberts and the Bishop of Coventry on the death of Natalie MortonHeadteacher Dr Julie Roberts and the Bishop of Coventry on the death of Natalie Morton
"The HPV vaccination programme can continue as planned - there is no reason for the campaign to be suspended or interrupted.""The HPV vaccination programme can continue as planned - there is no reason for the campaign to be suspended or interrupted."
He added that minor delays may occur in the next day or so while some areas await fresh supplies of HPV vaccine to replace quarantined stock.He added that minor delays may occur in the next day or so while some areas await fresh supplies of HPV vaccine to replace quarantined stock.
NHS Coventry has not suspended its HPV programme but has decided to reschedule catch-up clinics planned for Tuesday and Wednesday. It is carrying out an investigation into the events.NHS Coventry has not suspended its HPV programme but has decided to reschedule catch-up clinics planned for Tuesday and Wednesday. It is carrying out an investigation into the events.
It said a post-mortem examination was being conducted at University Hospital in Coventry and the results should be known in the coming days.It said a post-mortem examination was being conducted at University Hospital in Coventry and the results should be known in the coming days.
Adverse reactions to Cervarix Total number of reactions reported between April 2008 and 23 September 2009 Q and A: Cervical cancerAdverse reactions to Cervarix Total number of reactions reported between April 2008 and 23 September 2009 Q and A: Cervical cancer
Natalie's death has left schoolmates and staff shocked and saddened, headteacher Dr Julie Roberts said.Natalie's death has left schoolmates and staff shocked and saddened, headteacher Dr Julie Roberts said.
She described Natalie as a "happy, easy-going child who worked hard".She described Natalie as a "happy, easy-going child who worked hard".
A routine programme of vaccinating 12- and 13-year-old girls started in September 2008 using the Cervarix vaccine. A catch-up campaign is now under way for older girls.A routine programme of vaccinating 12- and 13-year-old girls started in September 2008 using the Cervarix vaccine. A catch-up campaign is now under way for older girls.
It is thought about a million girls have already safely received the jab.It is thought about a million girls have already safely received the jab.
More than 1.4 million doses have been given out, of which there have been 4,657 suspected reactions reported, according to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency.More than 1.4 million doses have been given out, of which there have been 4,657 suspected reactions reported, according to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency.
There are more than 100 types of HPV but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer.There are more than 100 types of HPV but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer.
Cervarix, licensed for use in Europe since September 2007, protects against two strains of HPV that cause more than 70% of cervical cancer cases.Cervarix, licensed for use in Europe since September 2007, protects against two strains of HPV that cause more than 70% of cervical cancer cases.
In the UK, about 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and about 1,000 die from it.In the UK, about 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and about 1,000 die from it.
Vaccination is not compulsory and consent is required before it is administered to the under-16s.Vaccination is not compulsory and consent is required before it is administered to the under-16s.
Parents or young people concerned about the safety of any vaccine are being advised to speak to their GP, visit www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.Parents or young people concerned about the safety of any vaccine are being advised to speak to their GP, visit www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.