England has become the first nation globally to implement a vaccination programme targeting gonorrhoea, with sexual health clinics beginning to administer the jabs from today.
The groundbreaking initiative arrives as the country grapples with unprecedented infection levels, prompting health authorities to deploy this innovative preventive measure.
The programme utilises a modified version of the 4CMenB meningitis vaccine, marking a revolutionary approach to combating the sexually transmitted infection.
This pioneering strategy positions Britain at the forefront of international efforts to address the growing public health challenge posed by gonorrhoea, particularly as antibiotic-resistant strains become increasingly prevalent.
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England is the first nation to implement a vaccination programme targeting gonorrhoea
The infection figures paint a stark picture, with 2023 recording 85,000 gonorrhoea cases – the most extensive outbreak documented since monitoring commenced in 1918.
This represents a threefold increase compared to 2012 figures, underscoring the urgency of intervention.
The vaccine demonstrates an efficacy range of 32.7 to 42 per cent in preventing gonorrhoea infections. Whilst not offering complete immunity, research conducted by Imperial College London projects significant benefits.
Their analysis indicates the programme could avert approximately 100,000 infections within the coming decade.
Additionally, the initiative promises substantial financial advantages, with projected savings exceeding £7.9 million for the NHS over the same period.
The vaccination will be available without charge to individuals considered most vulnerable to infection.
Priority recipients include men who have sex with men who report having had several partners recently and have contracted a bacterial sexually transmitted infection within the past year.
Sexual health clinic visits for the gonorrhoea jab will offer comprehensive protection, with patients able to receive immunisations against multiple conditions simultaneously.
Healthcare providers will administer vaccines for mpox, human papillomavirus, and both hepatitis A and B during the same appointment, ensuring efficient delivery of preventive care to those attending.
Ashley Dalton, the public health and prevention minister, declared the rollout “represents a major breakthrough in preventing an infection that has reached record levels”.
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England is grappling with unprecedented infection levels
She emphasised how the government’s pioneering vaccination scheme would help reverse infection trends whilst confronting the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance.
“I strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to come forward for vaccination, to protect not only yourselves but also your sexual partners,” Dalton stated.
Dr Sema Mandal, a consultant epidemiologist with the UK Health Security Agency, praised the vaccine for providing “much needed protection to those that need it most – making the UK a world leader in the fight against gonorrhoea”.
She urged eligible individuals not to delay, warning: “Don’t put it off and regret it later.”
