World-first vaccine rolled out across England amid record levels of infection
Free STI vaccines now being offered across England
- England has launched a world-first gonorrhoea vaccination programme to curb soaring infection rates and tackle the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant strains.
- The initiative follows a record 85,000 gonorrhoea cases in England in 2023, the highest since records began in 1918.
- Available free of charge from sexual health clinics, the vaccine is offered to those at highest risk, including gay and bisexual men with a recent history of multiple sexual partners or a bacterial STI.
- The vaccine used is 4CMenB, an existing jab currently protecting against meningococcal B disease.
- Officials anticipate the programme will save the NHS £7.9 million over the next decade and could prevent up to 100,000 cases.