By: Lucy Johnston, Daily Express
19 April 2009
A GROUP of British teenagers has launched the first legal action against the makers of a controversial cervical cancer jab.
They have suffered symptoms ranging from paralysis and seizures to fatigue and muscle aches since being given the Cervarix vaccine.
The jab is being given to girls from the age of 11 in a huge nationwide programme launched last September.
It is claimed it will give 70 per cent protection from the disease to every girl under 18 by 2011.
But a growing number of parents and medical experts believe the vaccine may have alarming side effects.
Among them is Sophie Vickery, 35, from Honiton, Devon, who is convinced the drug has turned her daughter Hattie from a happy 13-year-old with a love of music into an invalid plagued by paralysis, breathing problems and lethargy.
Twelve-year-old Ashleigh Cave has been in hospital in Liverpool since last October suffering paralysis in her legs.
She collapsed five times within 48 hours of getting the jab. Other girls have suffered breathing and visual problems.
The case has been taken up by London solicitor Peter Todd, who specialises in vaccine-related claims.
He said: “If you are immunising a large population it is likely a small number will have a serious adverse reaction. These people are innocent, but may become seriously disabled as a result of the jab. I want to see justice for them.”
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