Starting this summer, England is set to become the first country in the world to roll out a gonorrhoea vaccine — one of the most common and fast-spreading sexually transmitted infections. Launching in August, the programme will initially focus on those most at risk, including gay and bisexual men with multiple sexual partners or a recent history of STIs. Delivered through sexual health clinics, the vaccine marks a major step forward in the fight against rising antibiotic resistance and could reshape the way we prevent STIs in the future.

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) primarily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and can also be spread by sharing unwashed sex toys. The infection commonly affects the genital tract but can also infect the rectum, throat, and eyes.

In women, symptoms can include increased vaginal discharge, pain during urination, and bleeding between periods. However, many individuals, especially women, may not experience any symptoms, making regular testing important.

If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility. The infection can also increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.

How does the gonorrhoea vaccine work?

The vaccine being introduced is the 4CMenB vaccine, also known as Bexsero, which was originally developed to protect against meningitis B. Research has shown that this vaccine can also reduce the risk of gonorrhoea infection by approximately 31% to 50%. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that target proteins common to both Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, thereby providing cross-protection.

This cross-protection is particularly significant given the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea, which pose a growing public health challenge. By reducing the incidence of gonorrhoea infections, the vaccine could help curb the spread of these resistant strains and lessen the burden on healthcare systems.

Who is eligible for the gonorrhoea vaccine?

The initial rollout of the vaccine will target populations at higher risk of contracting gonorrhoea. This includes gay and bisexual men, who accounted for nearly half of all gonorrhoea cases in England in 2023. The vaccine will be offered through sexual health clinics, and eligibility may be expanded in the future based on the programme’s success and further research findings.

Individuals who are sexually active, particularly those with multiple partners or who engage in unprotected sex, are encouraged to get tested regularly for STIs and to consult with healthcare providers about vaccination options. The introduction of the gonorrhoea vaccine represents a significant step forward in STI prevention and public health.

As the NHS prepares to launch this pioneering vaccination programme, it underscores the importance of proactive measures in sexual health. By staying informed, practicing safe sex, and considering vaccination, individuals can contribute to the broader effort to reduce the spread of gonorrhoea and protect public health.