In a global first, England has launched a national gonorrhoea vaccination programme aimed at curbing soaring infection rates and tackling rising antibiotic resistance. The groundbreaking move, spearheaded by the NHS, marks a significant step forward in the global response to sexually transmitted infections.
Highlights:
- UK becomes first country to roll out a national gonorrhoea vaccine programme.
- Vaccine uses Bexsero®, initially developed for meningitis B.
- Targeted at high-risk groups including gay and bisexual men with multiple partners.
- Gonorrhoea cases in England hit a record 85,000 in 2023.
- Programme expected to prevent 100,000 infections and save NHS £8 million over 10 years.
Main Story:
In a landmark moment for STI prevention, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has launched the world’s first national vaccination programme against gonorrhoea, one of the most common and increasingly drug-resistant sexually transmitted infections.
The rollout began this week across sexual health clinics in England, with the vaccine being offered to individuals most at risk, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who’ve had multiple partners or recent bacterial STIs.
The programme uses the 4CMenB vaccine, marketed as Bexsero®, which was originally developed to prevent meningitis B. However, studies have shown that it also provides cross-protection against gonorrhoea, reducing infection risk by up to 40%.
Although it doesn’t offer full immunity, health officials say even moderate protection could have a significant public health impact, especially given the surge in cases and growing resistance to antibiotics.
In 2023 alone, England recorded over 85,000 gonorrhoea cases three times more than a decade ago, and the highest since tracking began in 1918. With antibiotic treatment becoming less effective, NHS officials have turned to vaccination as a preventive solution.
“This programme is a world-first and a vital step in tackling rising gonorrhoea cases,” said Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s National Medical Director.
Research from Imperial College London estimates the programme could prevent over 100,000 infections and save the NHS more than £8 million in treatment costs over the next decade.
Health clinics will also offer eligible patients additional vaccines for mpox, HPV, hepatitis A and B, as part of a broader strategy to prioritise preventive care over reactive treatment.
As the first country to implement a gonorrhoea vaccine programme, the UK’s bold move is being closely watched by global health experts. Given the alarming rise in drug-resistant STIs, many believe this could set a new global standard.
“We’re setting the pace for STI prevention worldwide,” said Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccination and Screening. “We hope others will follow our lead.”
With the world watching, the UK has fired the first shot in a new kind of war against gonorrhoea one fought not with antibiotics, but with prevention.
