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.
In comparison, Gardasil, made by Merck & Co, is £88.50 per dose.
The current tender for the vaccination is due to run out before the end of 2011.
