On Wednesday, health authorities in England announced the launch of the world’s first routine vaccination program for gonorrhea. This decision follows a dramatic rise in cases, with over 85,000 infections reported in 2023—the highest figure since records began in 1918. Doctors have also raised concerns over increasing antibiotic resistance linked to the disease.
A Groundbreaking Public Health Initiative
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading sexual health and HIV charity, welcomed the move, calling it a “game changer.” He emphasized that the vaccine alone could potentially reduce new gonorrhea infections by 40%.
NHS Leads the Global Effort
Amanda Doyle, Director of Primary and Community Care at the National Health Service (NHS), confirmed that this initiative marks the world’s first routine immunization campaign against gonorrhea. She highlighted it as a “huge step forward for sexual health” and a critical measure to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria.
Re-purposed Vaccine Offers New Hope
As reported by medicalxpress, the gonorrhea vaccination program will use the 4CMenB vaccine, originally developed to protect against meningococcal B disease—a serious infection causing meningitis and sepsis. This vaccine is already part of the routine childhood immunization schedule, given to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year.
Targeting High-Risk Populations
Initially, the vaccination will be offered to individuals at highest risk. This includes gay and bisexual men with a recent history of multiple sexual partners or a bacterial sexually transmitted infection.
Comprehensive Protection Offered During Visits
Eligible patients will also be offered vaccinations for mpox, HPV, and hepatitis A and B. These will be provided during their appointments, in addition to the gonorrhea jab.
Experts Applaud Timely Intervention
Dr. Sema Mandal, NHS Consultant Epidemiologist and Deputy Director of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), praised the rollout. She noted the urgent need for action as gonorrhea cases reached historic highs in 2023. “This vaccination program is a hugely welcome intervention,” she said, citing both the rising infection rates and the emergence of drug-resistant strains.
Resurgence of Victorian-Era Diseases
Gonorrhea, long considered a relic of the Victorian era and nicknamed “the clap,” is now making a troubling comeback. Similarly, syphilis is also on the rise. In 2023, the UK reported 9,513 syphilis cases—a more than nine percent increase from the previous year and the highest figure since 1948, according to UKHSA data.
A Strategic Step Forward
With this innovative vaccination campaign, England aims to curb the resurgence of gonorrhea and related sexually transmitted infections. It also seeks to tackle the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.