NHS rolls out new world-first vaccine for common disease

The NHS has begun rolling out a gonorrhoea vaccine to those most at risk of infection, in the hope of preventing 100,000 cases of the disease. The 4CMenB jab is being offered at local sexual health clinics to thousands of people, including gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners and a bacterial sexually-transmitted infection in the previous year. Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, said the rollout was "a real step-forward for sexual health".

She added: "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."

Estimates suggest the vaccine could protect thousands of people and save the NHS more than £7.9 million over the next decade.

It comes after diagnoses of gonorrhoea reached their highest levels since records began. Some 85,000 cases were reported in England in 2023 - three times higher than in 2012.

Dr Sema Mandal, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "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."

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."