England Announces 'World-First' Gonorrhoea Vaccine Program

England will be the first country to introduce a standard gonorrhoea vaccine, according to health officials, in a big step towards combating growing infections and drug resistance.

Over 85 000 cases of gonorrhoea were reported in 2023, the greatest number since records began in 1918, raising concerns about strains that no longer respond to current treatments.

The 4CMenB vaccination is now used to protect children against meningococcal B illness. Studies demonstrate that the jab provides up to 42% protection against gonorrhoea because the bacteria that cause meningitis and gonorrhoea are genetically similar.

Eligible people will be able to get the vaccination at nearby sexual health clinics starting on August 1. During the same visit, they might also be provided mpox, HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccinations.

Dr Amanda Doyle of NHS England described the implementation as a "huge step forward", emphasising its significance in reducing infections and slowing antibiotic resistance.

The second most prevalent bacterial STI in the UK, gonorrhoea can produce painful urination, discharge and abdominal pain, but it frequently exhibits no symptoms during infection. The weak nature of natural immunity makes reinfection common.

Health officials hope the vaccination will minimise the prevalence and severity of illnesses, particularly as resistance to critical drugs such as ceftriaxone grows.