NHS begins mass gonorrhoea vaccination programme in world-first

It seems as if gonorrhoea may soon be 'goner, see ya' in the UK after the NHS rolled out a world-first vaccine today.

On 4 August, it was confirmed that sexual health clinics in England would now be offering the vaccine as a free treatment to groups deemed to be most at risk of contracting the sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The STI, which is passed on through unprotected sex, can cause serious health problems if left untreated - particularly in women - and it even comes with some particularly nasty 'super gonorrhoea' varieties.

Symptoms include burning when you pass urine and discharge coming from your genitals, so it's definitely one you'd want to avoid, and fortunately the vaccine looks to be the next stage in the world's goal to scrap the clap.

Gonorrhoea has long been regarded as one of the worst STIs (Getty Stock)

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.

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

Scientists have long thought that the STI has been on the rise, but now the vaccine should help to drastically reduce numbers, especially when it is opened up to more groups.

For now though, only those deemed to be most at risk are eligible, which includes gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners and a bacterial STI in the previous 12 months.

Using condoms is always advised to those who are sexually active in order to prevent the spread of STIs and STDs (Getty Stock Image)

Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Sema Mandal added: “This roll out 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.

"And it’s excellent to see that at the same time other important vaccines will continue to be offered in sexual health services to those eligible, protecting against mpox, hepatitis A and B, and HPV.

"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."

The vaccine is free now for eligible patients (Getty Stock Image)

The 4CMenB vaccine is expected to help avert potentially 100,000 cases of the disease and is a positive step in the government's aim to shift from sickness to prevention, to help ease the pressure on the NHS.

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.”

The vaccine is also expected to save the NHS over £7.9 million over the next decade and should also help to combat the other antibiotic-resistant forms of the STI.