A 14-year-old girl has died shortly after she was given a cervical cancer vaccine at school.

An "urgent" investigation is now under way by a health authority following the tragedy in Coventry.

Natalie Morton became ill at Blue Coat Church of England School after having the HPV (human papillomavirus) jab and was then taken to the city's University Hospital where she later died.

She had had the vaccine as part of the national immunisation programme to protect women against the disease.

A small number of other girls at the school also reported mild symptoms, such as dizziness and nausea, but were not admitted to hospital.

NHS Coventry said although no link had been made between Natalie's death and the vaccination, it had quarantined the batch used at the school as a "precautionary measure".

No link can be made between the death and the vaccine until all the facts are known and a post-mortem takes place.

Dr Caron Grainger, joint director for public health for NHS Coventry and Coventry City Council

In a letter to parents posted on the school's website, headteacher Dr Julie Roberts said a girl had suffered a "rare but extreme reaction" after being given the vaccine.

She added: "A number of other girls also reported being unwell and some were sent home. If your daughter has received a vaccine today we ask that you are extra vigilant regarding any signs or symptoms.

"The most common adverse reaction after the HPV1 vaccine is mild to moderate short-lasting pain at the injection site.

"An immediate, localised stinging sensation has been reported, as has reactions at the injection site. Other reactions reported include headache, muscle pain, fatigue and a low grade fever."

There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer, according to the NHS.

The HPV vaccine protects against two strains of HPV that cause more than 70% of cases of cervical cancer in women.

The NHS started the HPV vaccination programme in September last year, offering vaccines to girls aged 12 and 13 and to 17 and 18-year-old girls.

news.sky.com

Cancer jab girl 'died of tumour'

A girl who was vaccinated against cervical cancer died from a malignant tumour and not from a reaction to the jab, it has been revealed.

Natalie Morton, 14, died after being given the Cervarix jab at the Blue Coat Church of England School in Coventry.

Deputy coroner for Coventry, Louise Hunt, said the vaccine was not thought to be a contributing factor, but the inquest would look into it.

A pathologist said the cause of death was a malignant tumour of the chest.

It affected both her heart and lungs.

'Wonderful daughter'

The pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on the girl said the tumour was so severe that death could have arisen at any point.

The inquest was opened and adjourned at Coventry Magistrates' Court.

Natalie collapsed less than two hours after being given a cervical cancer vaccination.

Natalie's mother Elaine Bullock and stepfather Andrew Bullock, paid tribute the 14-year-old outside the court.

They said she was a "kind and fun-loving teenager with a beautiful smile".

Mr Bullock said: "We now know that Natalie's death was the result of a serious underlying medical condition and most probably nothing to do with the vaccine that she had at school on Monday."

Her stepfather said Natalie was "a wonderful daughter, sister and granddaughter".

news.bbc

oh its very bad to hear this about a little girl