London [UK], May 21 (ANI): The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), in collaboration with local authorities, will launch the world’s first routine vaccination programme against gonorrhoea starting in early August. This initiative will primarily target gay and bisexual men with a recent history of multiple sexual partners or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), who will be offered the vaccine through sexual health services.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NHS said, “Eligible patients, which includes gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners or a STI, will start to be offered the vaccine through local authority-commissioned sexual health services from early August.”
The announcement follows the UK government’s acceptance of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) recommendation to roll out the vaccine nationally, in response to a record-high 85,000 gonorrhoea diagnoses reported in England in 2023—three times more than in 2012.
The vaccine, known as 4CMenB, is originally used to protect against meningococcal B disease. Research conducted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that it could reduce gonorrhoea infections by up to 40 percent and help combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease. UKHSA is partnering with NHS England to facilitate the rollout.
An analysis led by Imperial College London estimates that the vaccine could prevent up to 100,000 cases of gonorrhoea and save the NHS more than GBP 7.9 million over the next ten years if the programme achieves high uptake.
According to the NHS, local providers will identify and contact eligible individuals through sexual health clinics. In addition to the gonorrhoea vaccine, patients will also be offered vaccinations for mpox, hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV) during their appointments.
Dr. Amanda Doyle, NHS England’s National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said, “The launch of a world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea is a huge step forward for sexual health and will be crucial in protecting individuals, helping to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria.”
She added, “NHS teams across the country are now working hard to plan the rollout and ensure we hit the ground running, while the routine mpox vaccination programme builds on the vital progress the NHS has made in recent months in reaching as many eligible people as possible.”
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection spread through sexual contact. If untreated, it can lead to severe health complications, including infections in the eyes, testicles, or prostate. It is the second most commonly diagnosed STI in England. Not all individuals show symptoms, but common signs include a burning sensation while urinating, genital discharge, and pain in the testicles or lower abdomen. (ANI)
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