World-first gonorrhoea vaccine launched by NHS England

England is set to become the pioneer in administering vaccinations against the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea.

The vaccine will not be universally available; it will primarily focus on gay and bisexual men who have multiple sexual partners or a history of STIs, according to ‘BBC’.

Though the vaccine’s effectiveness ranges between 30-40%, NHS England anticipates it will help reverse the alarming rise in infection rates.

In 2023, gonorrhoea cases exceeded 85,000, marking the highest number since records were first kept in 1918.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea are not always apparent, but they may include pain, unusual discharge, genital inflammation, and infertility.

How many will choose to be vaccinated remains unclear.

However, predictions from Imperial College London suggest that widespread uptake could prevent 100,000 cases and save the NHS nearly £8 million over the next ten years.

Max, an advocate for sexual health, expressed to BBC Newsbeat his enthusiastic support for the vaccine after experiencing two gonorrhoea diagnoses within a year.

He stated, “I think this is great that it's been announced,” and added, “It's going to take the pressure off the clinics, it's just a big win all round.”

Vaccinations will commence in August via sexual health services.

Public Health Scotland has indicated its intention to start a similar program for high-risk groups.

BBC Newsbeat has inquired with health authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland regarding their plans to follow suit.

Originally developed for meningitis B, the vaccine demonstrates efficacy against gonorrhoea because the bacteria responsible for the infections are closely related.

This necessitates sensitive conversations in sexual health clinics because the vaccine does not completely prevent gonorrhoea, which is commonly transmitted through unprotected sex.

Prof Andrew Pollard, leading the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advocated for the vaccine, noted that despite its 30% efficacy, it was “worth having” and could significantly affect overall infection rates.

The decision to introduce the vaccine is driven not only by the high number of cases but also by gonorrhoea’s increasing resistance to treatment.

Although most cases respond to a single antibiotic dose, the pathogen’s 80-year history of developing resistance poses a challenge, raising concerns about the possibility of untreatable strains in the future.

Preventing an infection in the first place is the most effective strategy against drug-resistant strains.

Dr. Amanda Doyle of NHS England remarked, “The launch of a world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea is a huge step forward for sexual health and will be crucial in protecting individuals, helping to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria.”

In the UK, the groups most affected by gonorrhoea include individuals aged 16-to-25, gay and bisexual men, and those of black and Caribbean descent.

The vaccine, costing around £8 per dose, offers economic value when mainly administered to gay and bisexual men instead of all teenagers.

However, medical professionals have the discretion to offer the vaccine to anyone using sexual health services they believe to be at comparably high risk.

The gonorrhoea vaccine will be offered alongside vaccines for mpox (formerly monkeypox), HPV, and hepatitis.

Prof Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, commented, “This is excellent news and a landmark moment for sexual health in England.”

Uncertainties remain regarding the duration of protection from the vaccine and how frequently booster doses might be necessary.

This decision comes nearly 18 months after the JCVI in the UK recommended a vaccination program, a delay criticised by sexual health activists who now welcome the outcome.

Katie Clark, head of policy and advocacy at the Terrence Higgins Trust, hailed the initiative as a “huge win.”