The UK has become the first country to offer gonorrhoea vaccines through sexual health services from today.
The initial rollout will prioritise those at highest risk, particularly gay and bisexual men with a history of multiple sexual partners or previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NHS England estimates the programme could prevent up to 100,000 cases and save almost £8m over the next decade.
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.
“This government’s world-first vaccination programme will help turn the tide on infections, as well as tackling head-on the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.”
The move follows a sharp rise in gonorrhoea, with more than 85,000 cases recorded in 2023 – the highest annual figure since records began nearly 100 years ago.
The vaccine, 4CMenB, was originally developed to protect babies against meningitis B.
Because the bacteria that cause meningitis and gonorrhoea are closely related, the jab provides around 30 to 40 per cent protection against gonorrhoea.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection transmitted through unprotected sex. It can lead to pain, abnormal discharge, genital inflammation and infertility, although some people have no symptoms.
Doctors hope the vaccine will also help slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat.
Richard Angell, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, described the vaccine as a “remarkable addition to our toolkit on sexual health.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, said: “The roll out of the NHS’ world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea from this month is a real step-forward for sexual health and I know health service staff, alongside local authority colleagues, have been working hard to hit the ground running.
“This vaccine is already used to protect against Men B and is proven to be effective against gonorrhoea, preventing the spread of infection and reducing the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains.
“That is why it is so important that everyone eligible takes up the offer through sexual health services alongside existing jabs for mpox, Hep A & B, and HPV, helping ensure we keep each other safe.”
