A first-of-its-kind vaccine for gonorrhea is being introduced worldwide.
England
following the surge where case numbers reached all-time peaks.
In 2023, over 85,000 individuals were diagnosed with the sexually transmitted infection (STI), marking the highest figure recorded since statistics started in 1918.
Referred to as a ‘pivotal point in the history of sexuality’
health
‘, the introduction coincides with certain strains of the STI gaining resistance to antibiotics.
Gonorrhea ranks as the second most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK, just behind chlamydia, yet numerous individuals who have this infection remain asymptomatic.
Richard Angell, CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust, called the vaccine a ‘game changer,’ noting that it could potentially reduce new gonorrhea cases by up to 40%.
Dr. Amanda Doyle, the national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, stated, “The introduction of the first-ever routine vaccine against gonorrhea marks significant progress in sexual health. This initiative will play a vital role in safeguarding people’s well-being, curbing the transmission of infections, and decreasing the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.”
‘Healthcare teams throughout the nation are currently diligently planning for the implementation of services and ensuring they start off on solid footing. Meanwhile, the regular mpox immunization program continues to build upon the significant advancements the healthcare system has achieved recently in vaccinating as many qualifying individuals as feasible.’
This is all the information we currently have regarding the vaccination distribution.
What is the latest gonorrhea vaccine?
The vaccine is an existing jab, known as 4CMenB, that is currently used to protect people against the meningococcal B disease, a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis.
It is part of the regular childhood immunization schedule and administered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year.
The vaccine includes proteins derived from Neisseria meningitidis—the bacterium responsible for meningococcal disease—which has a close genetic relationship with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes gonorrhea.
Research indicates that the 4CMenB vaccine demonstrates an efficacy ranging from approximately 32.7 to 42% against gonorrhea, which means it does not entirely remove the chance of becoming infected.
Nevertheless, having had a prior gonorrhea infection is believed to provide minimal protection against subsequent infections, suggesting that the vaccine could still be advantageous.
When is the gonorrhea vaccine expected to be introduced?
Eligible individuals will be pinpointed and reached out to over the next few weeks, with the vaccine being provided via regional sexual health clinics.
from August 1
.
During their visit, patients will have the opportunity to receive vaccinations for mpox, HPV, as well as hepatitis A and B.
Who qualifies for receiving the vaccine?
Men who identify as gay or bisexual and have recently had multiple sexual partners or contracted a bacterial sexually transmitted infection will qualify for the new program.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) states that gonorrhea has a significant impact on particular groups, including individuals from disadvantaged regions, those of Black Caribbean descent, and gay, bisexual, and other men who engage in same-sex activities.
The JCVI stated that diagnoses are most prevalent among gay, bisexual, and other men who engage in sexual activities with men.
According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) statistics, there has been a 9.4% rise in gonorrhea diagnoses among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in 2023. The number of cases increased from 37,095 to 40,586 during this period.
What are the signs of gonorrhea?
Symptoms may involve green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, pain during urination, and soreness or unease in the rectal area.
For women, symptoms may involve lower abdominal pain or spotting between menstrual cycles, whereas men might encounter discomfort in the testicular area.
Nevertheless, numerous individuals remain asymptomatic.
Gonorrhea spreads via vaginal fluids and semen, and can be transmitted between individuals during unprotected sexual intercourse.
Individuals who believe they might be infected with gonorrhea but aren’t experiencing signs of the infection can obtain a self-testing kit from sexual health centers and certain pharmacies.
Why is gonorrhea developing resistance to antibiotics?
Instances of gonorrhea that show resistance to the antibiotic ceftriaxone – typically the primary treatment option – are increasing in England.
This indicates that the bacteria responsible for the sexually transmitted infection has acquired the capability to thrive and reproduce even when confronted with the antibiotic.
Certain cases are additionally categorized as ‘extensively drug-resistant’ — denoted as XDR — indicating that the infection failed to react to both ceftriaxone and the secondary treatment regimen.
In March, UKHSA reported that there were 17 instances of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhea between January 2024 and March 2025.
During this time frame, nine XDR cases were documented, as opposed to the five cases recorded from 2022 to 2023.
Dr. Sema Mandal, a consultant epidemiologist and deputy director at UKHSA, stated, “The introduction of this vaccination program is an extremely welcomed measure as we witness alarmingly high rates of gonorrhea, including strains that are resistant to antibiotics.”
‘Not only will this roll-out provide much needed protection to those that need it most, but it will make the UK the first country in the world to offer this protection and a world leader in protecting people against gonorrhoea.’
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