In a significant development for public health, NHS England has recently announced the launch of a pioneering vaccine against gonorrhoea, marking a world-first in the fight against this sexually transmitted infection (STI). With the incidence of gonorrhoea rising dramatically, this initiative aims to curb the alarming trend of increasing infections among those most at risk. The decision reflects a growing concern over the infection’s escalating rates, with over 85,000 cases recorded in 2023, the highest since such records began in 1918.
NHS England’s new vaccination program primarily targets gay and bisexual men who have a history of multiple sexual partners or previous STIs. The vaccine itself, although only 30-40% effective, is seen as a crucial tool in mitigating the surge in gonorrhoea cases. The hope is that by offering this vaccine to those at greatest risk, NHS England can help reverse the trend of rising infections.
Despite the limited effectiveness of the vaccine, which has not been specifically designed for gonorrhoea but repurposed from the meningitis B vaccine typically administered to infants, it could have a significant impact. Research indicates that the MenB vaccine can reduce gonorrhoea cases by about a third. However, health officials recognize that this vaccine does not eliminate the risk of contracting gonorrhoea, especially given that it is often transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.
To address the current health crisis, Prof. Andrew Pollard, chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), stated that even a vaccine with significant limitations is a step worth taking. The past decade has seen an alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea, creating fears that the infection could become untreatable. Thus, the introduction of a vaccine appears to be a preventative measure against this threat.
The campaign to introduce the vaccine is inspired by projections from Imperial College London, which suggest that if uptake is high, it could potentially prevent up to 100,000 gonorrhoea cases and save the NHS nearly £8 million over the next ten years. While public interest in the vaccine remains to be seen, there is already support from individuals like Max, a sexual health campaigner who has experienced gonorrhoea twice in a year. He expresses a strong intention to be vaccinated as he believes it will alleviate pressure on sexual health clinics.
Starting in August 2025, the vaccination will be made available through sexual health services. Public Health Scotland is also developing its own vaccination program targeting high-risk individuals, while inquiries about similar programs have been initiated with the health bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland.
The healthcare landscape is cautious yet optimistic regarding the vaccine’s introduction. Dr. Amanda Doyle from NHS England emphasized that the launch of a routine gonorrhoea vaccine represents a monumental advancement for sexual health that is essential in preventing infections and curbing the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Most impacted groups by gonorrhoea in the UK include individuals aged 16 to 25, particularly gay and bisexual men, along with those of Black and Caribbean ancestry. At approximately £8 per dose, the vaccine is considered a cost-effective measure, especially when administering it to the identified high-risk groups, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
However, the medical community continues to remind the public that the vaccine should not give an excuse to abandon condom usage. Clinicians will still play a vital role in evaluating the risks of individuals seeking sexual health services. Patients will be offered the gonorrhoea vaccine alongside other vaccines against mpox, HPV, and hepatitis, thereby streamlining the vaccination process.
As NHS England moves forward with this initiative, it is worth noting that the broader implications of the vaccination program may take time to unfold. How long the vaccine’s efficacy lasts and the need for booster shots remain open questions. Nonetheless, this development has been heralded as a landmark moment in sexual health, offering hope in combating the rising tide of gonorrhoea infections and potentially reshaping public health responses to STIs in the UK and beyond.