Cervical cancer vaccine - statement from Medical Officer of Health

29 September 2009

Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, has issued the following statement after the death of a 14 year girl who had received a cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine at school in the UK:

“In light of this tragic death, we are monitoring the situation closely in Jersey. From what we know of the Cervarix HPV vaccine and from our experience, our opinion is that this death is likely to be attributed to causes other than HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccination programme is continuing in the UK but the batch of vaccine given to the girl is not being used.

"We want to take every precaution with our children and therefore we are postponing the HPV vaccinations that would have happened at Hautlieu School today (29 September 2009) and at Highlands College tomorrow. We are looking into whether the same batch of vaccine was used in Jersey and we will hope to be able to give further information later today.

"Prior to its introduction, more than 18,000 women took part in clinical trials of this vaccine and it was extensively studied before licensing. Cervarix vaccine met the rigorous safety and efficacy standards required for licensing in Europe and elsewhere.

"Approximately 1500 doses of Cervarix HPV vaccine were given to year 8 girls in Jersey during the 2008/2009 school year. Approximately 500 girls have been given the vaccine since 21 September this year.

"As far as we are aware, the other girls who received this vaccine in Coventry have had no serious adverse effects. Currently, no link has been made between this death and the vaccine and the authorities in Coventry are carrying out a full investigation.”