England set to be first country to offer gonorrhoea vaccine after cases spiral to record high

• Gonorrhoea cases have increased 50 per cent in the past year to a record high
• The JCVI said studies show the jab is 32.7 per cent to 42 per cent effective 

England is set to be the first country in the world to introduce a vaccine that can slash the risk of catching gonorrhoea after cases hit a record high. 

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the government to offer a vaccination programme targeted at those at highest risk. 

It would use of the MenB vaccine, which is used to protect children against meningitis and septicaemia but can also prevent the sexually transmitted infection. 

Gonorrhoea cases have increased by 50 per cent in the past year, with 82,592 people diagnosed in 2022 – the highest since records began in 1918. 

The JCVI said studies show the jab is 32.7 per cent to 42 per cent effective against gonorrhoea, meaning it could ‘prevent many cases’ and is cost-effective. 

It wants the vaccine to be offered to gay men, primarily through sexual health services. 

The experts also today recommended this group are given routine inoculations for mpox — previously known as monkeypox. 

Professor Andrew Pollard, chair of the JCVI, said: ‘Introducing a MenB vaccination programme to prevent gonorrhoea in England would be a world first and should significantly help to reduce levels of gonorrhoea, which are currently at a record high. 

‘In addition, we are advising setting up a routine targeted mpox offer – to prevent a repeat of the large outbreak we saw in early 2022. 

‘Both vaccinations should be offered to those at highest risk.’ 

The advice will now be considered by Department for Health and Social Care ministers before any policy decisions are made on any new programmes. 

Should the advice be accepted operational detail of how the vaccine will be delivered will follow. 

Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘A vaccination programme to impact on gonorrhoea cases would be a hugely welcome intervention to ensure we are better prepared to address this increasing threat. 

‘We saw a rapid rise last year with more cases than ever before and with gonorrhoea becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, tackling this infection is a serious concern. 

‘And while mpox case numbers across England remain very low, we should not be complacent. 

‘Any routine vaccination offer to those at highest risk of infection will help ensure we remain on top of the disease and prevent any major future outbreaks.’

WHAT IS GONORRHOEA? 

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus.

This bacteria is usually found in discharge from the penis or vaginal fluid.

It is passed through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, as well as sharing vibrators or sex toys that have been used without a condom.

The bacteria can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat or eyes.

It can also spread from pregnant women to their unborn babies.

As the bacteria cannot survive outside the body for long, gonorrhoea is not spread by kissing, hugging, sharing towels, toilet seats or swimming.

Around one in 10 men and half of women experience no symptoms. 

However, these can include:

• Thick green or yellow discharge from the genitals
• Pain when urinating
• Bleeding between periods in women

Treatment is usually a single antibiotic injection and tablet. 

Gonorrhoea can be prevented by using condoms during sex and not sharing sex toys.

Source: NHS Choices