World’s first gonorrhea vaccination programme to be rolled out in England

The NHS is rolling out a world-first vaccination programme for people at high risk of gonorrhoea in England.

Beginning today, sexual health clinics will be able to offer a free vaccine to patients at the highest risk of the sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Those at high risk include gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners and a bacterial STI in the previous 12 months.

Nicknamed the 4CMenB vaccine, it could potentially avert up to 100,000 cases of the disease, while easing pressure on vital NHS services.

It’s sure to be a welcome treatment as the UK grapples with super gonorrhoea, a treatment-resistant strain of the STI which is increasing in commonality.

Gonorrhoea is one of the oldest sexually transmitted infections, and the second most common in the UK.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said: ‘Rolling out this world-leading gonorrhoea vaccination programme in sexual health clinics in England represents a major breakthrough in preventing an infection that has reached record levels.

‘I strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to come forward for vaccination, to protect not only yourselves but also your sexual partners.’

The groundbreaking vaccination programme comes at a critical time, with diagnoses of gonorrhoea reaching their highest levels since records began.

In 2023, a record 85,000 cases of the disease were reported in England — three times higher than in 2012.

This vaccine will protect thousands of people and save the NHS more than £7.9 million over the next decade. It will also help combat increasing levels of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease.

UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Sema Mandal added: ‘This rollout is hugely welcome as we’re currently seeing very concerning numbers of gonorrhoea, including even more worryingly antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea.

‘The vaccine will give much-needed protection to those that need it most – making the UK a world leader in the fight against gonorrhoea.’

‘Sexually transmitted infections aren’t just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and your sexual partners, so if offered, I strongly urge you to get these jabs, you’ll be protecting yourself as well as others. Don’t put it off and regret it later.’

Earlier this year, a new pill treatment for the UK-prominent strain of ‘super’ gonorrhoea was made available.

What is gonorrhoea?

Caused by infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, it is primarily spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex.

Symptoms include unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, pain or burn when urinating, itching, bleeding and soreness, and can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat,

Left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause infertility in men and women, and if babies are born with it from an infected mother, they can even become blind.

Most cases begin with no symptoms, however, illustrating the important of testing.

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