An inquest into the death of a 14 year old girl who was immunised with the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) (Cervarix®) has revealed that her death was more likely to be link to a malignant tumour in the chest that was affecting her heart and lungs. This information has been reported in the wider media (BBC).
The batch of Cervarix (AHPVA043BB) associated with this death was quarantined and has been voluntarily recalled. Some areas have also suspended the HPV vaccination programme while investigations are conducted.
Action: Clinicians and the general public should be reassured by these findings. The HPV vaccine appears to have been a coincidental rather than contributory factor in this tragic death.