In a groundbreaking public health initiative, England has become the first country in the world to launch a national gonorrhoea vaccination programme, as cases of the sexually transmitted infection continue to surge to record levels.
The National Health Service (NHS) began rolling out the programme this week at sexual health clinics across the country. The initiative uses the 4CMenB vaccine, commercially known as Bexsero®, originally developed to protect against meningitis B. Recent studies, however, have shown that it also offers cross-protection against gonorrhoea, a closely related bacterial infection.
“This programme is a world-first and a vital step in tackling rising gonorrhoea cases, which are increasingly resistant to antibiotics,” said Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England. “Vaccination gives us a new and powerful tool to protect people and reduce transmission.”
The initial phase of the programme targets those at the highest risk of infection, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who have had multiple sexual partners or a bacterial STI in the past year. Additional high-risk groups may also be considered for vaccination.
According to NHS figures, gonorrhoea infections in England reached more than 85,000 in 2023, triple the number reported just a decade earlier and the highest annual total since record-keeping began in 1918. The steep rise, combined with growing antibiotic resistance, has raised alarm among public health officials.
Although the 4CMenB vaccine is not 100% effective against gonorrhoea, clinical research indicates it can reduce the risk of infection by up to 40%. Experts believe even this moderate level of protection can have a substantial public health impact.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stated, “The evidence supporting this programme is strong. Even moderate protection will make a significant public health impact given the scale of infections and growing antibiotic resistance.”
Research from Imperial College London estimates that the programme could prevent over 100,000 infections over the next decade and save the NHS approximately £8 million in treatment costs.
The initiative also forms part of a broader NHS and UK government focus on preventive healthcare under the “Plan for Change.” During vaccination appointments, eligible individuals may also be offered vaccines for other infections, including mpox, HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
The nationwide expansion of the programme is scheduled for completion by September 2025, with sexual health clinics playing a central role in outreach and administration.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccination and Screening, lauded the move as a global milestone. “We are setting the standard in global STI prevention. We hope other countries will follow suit,” he said.
Health authorities are encouraging eligible individuals to contact their local sexual health clinics to determine their eligibility and schedule a vaccination.
As antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea strains continue to spread, global health experts are closely watching the UK’s strategy, a timely and critical intervention in the fight against STIs.
Written By Rodney Mbua
