UK launches world's first gonorrhea vaccination programme – a breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic resistance

The world's first free gonorrhea vaccination program has launched in the UK. NHS England's initiative aims to combat record-breaking infections and growing antibiotic resistance. The program is based on the already available meningococcal B vaccine, which can significantly reduce the number of new cases.

In response to the surge in gonorrhea infections, NHS England —the equivalent of the Polish National Health Fund —launched the world's first public vaccination program to curb the spread of the disease. In 2023 , more than 85,000 cases of gonorrhea were recorded in England, the highest number since records began in 1918 and a threefold increase compared to 2012.

Free gonorrhea vaccines will be available to those at increased risk of infection, primarily gay and bisexual men who have had multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted infections. However, NHS officials emphasize that doctors have the flexibility to also qualify other patients using sexual health services for the vaccine if they deem it appropriate.

The program will utilize a vaccine previously intended for infants that protects against meningococcal type B infection. The bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease and gonorrhea are genetically closely related, making the vaccine 30-40% effective in preventing gonorrhea infections as well. While it doesn't provide complete protection, it can significantly reduce the number of new cases.

UK Under-Secretary of State for Public Health Ashley Dalton announced:

Experts warn that gonorrhea is becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium is showing increasing resistance to available antibiotics, which could eventually lead to the disease becoming incurable.

Scientists at Imperial College London estimate that increased vaccination could prevent as many as 100,000 cases of gonorrhea over the next ten years. This will not only protect patients' health but also save the British healthcare system around £8 million.

It is currently unknown how long the vaccine will protect against infection or how often booster doses will be necessary. This is an area that requires further research and clinical observation.

Gonorrhea affects both women and men. It can be asymptomatic – in approximately 50% of women and 10% of men – which facilitates its further spread. In women, symptoms may include: lower abdominal pain, vaginal burning, pain during intercourse and urination, and purulent vaginal discharge. Men often experience purulent urethral discharge, pain during urination, inflammation of the epididymis or glans penis. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, such as infertility, myocarditis, meningitis, and even sepsis.

Despite the implementation of vaccinations, the primary methods of preventing gonorrhea remain the use of condoms and regular sexual health screenings. Experts emphasize that the vaccine does not completely eliminate the risk of infection, so educational and preventative measures remain crucial.

Source: PAP/MH