The NHS is rolling out a world-first routine vaccination programme for gonorrhoea, aiming to combat soaring rates of the sexually transmitted infection. More than 85,000 cases were recorded in England in 2023, the highest since records began in 1918, with antibiotic-resistant strains also on the rise.
The vaccine, called 4CMenB, is currently used to protect against meningococcal B disease. Because the bacteria causing that disease is closely related to the one behind gonorrhoea, the jab offers partial protection. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) estimates it is between 32.7 and 42 per cent effective against gonorrhoea.
Initially, the vaccine will be offered to gay and bisexual men with a recent history of multiple sexual partners or a bacterial STI. NHS officials will identify and contact eligible patients in the coming weeks, with the rollout starting from 1 August. Sexual health charities have welcomed the move, suggesting it could reduce new cases by up to 40 per cent.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, described the launch as a 'huge step forward for sexual health'. However, experts caution that the vaccine is not perfect and that individuals should continue to practise safe sex and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial STI in the UK. Symptoms include discharge, pain when urinating, and, in women, lower abdominal pain or bleeding between periods. Untreated, it can lead to infertility and pelvic inflammation.
