Cervical cancer vaccine

The government has changed its mind over which vaccine to supply to teenage girls since the introduction in 2008.

The UK government may have chosen the least cost-effective vaccine to immunise teenage girls against viruses that cause cervical cancer, a data study suggests.

In 2008, the Department of Health picked the cheaper of two options - a vaccine called Cervarix.

But the Health Protection Agency (HPA) concludes that a different vaccine, Gardasil, could provide better value.

Cervarix would need to be £19 to £35 cheaper to match Gardasil's payback.

Although it is not known what deal the government was able to strike with GSK, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Cervarix, the NHS list price for the drug is £80.50 per dose.

Graystons Solicitors is concerned that the wrong decision was made initially and is pleased that the government has now decided to vaccinate young girls with Gardasil. We hope that the girls vaccinated in the mean time do not suffer any ill effects by not being protected against genital warts.