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A new vaccine for gonorrhoea will be rolled out in England as part of a world-first project. Described as a ‘landmark moment for sexual health,’ it’s hoped this initiative will lower rising levels of STI cases.
A world-first vaccine for gonorrhoea is to be distributed in the UK amidst record-level case numbers.
In 2023 there were over 85,000 cases in England alone. This is the highest number since records first began in 1918. There are also concerns that some strains are now resistant to antibiotics, making them significantly harder to treat.
The vaccine itself is actually an existing injection that is known as 4CMenB.
It’s normally used to fight the meningococcal B disease, a bacterial infection that can sometimes cause meningitis and sepsis. Currently, the vaccine is given as part of a routine childhood programme, delivered to babies at eight weeks, sixteen weeks and one year.
While it is already in use, the vaccine has never been distributed to fight gonorrhoea specifically. It is 30-40% effective and will mainly be offered to LGBTQ+ men who have slept with multiple people or had a history with STIs.
According to the BBC, Imperial College London estimates that the job could prevent 100,000 cases and save the NHS nearly £8 million over the next ten years.
Those offered the vaccine will also be asked if they’d like jabs for mpox, human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as hepatitis A and B. Those who are selected will be contacted in the coming weeks and injections will be officially rolled out at the beginning of August.
It’s worth noting that gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It is often symptomless for both men and women, but can cause discharge, pain and discomfort.
It has ordinarily been treated with a single dose of antibiotics but, as previously mentioned, recent strains appear to be resistant to treatment. Over time, it could mean that the STI eventually becomes untreatable.
