'I'm in control of my sexual health' - UK gonorrhoea vaccine rollout begins
Summary
The UK has started offering a new gonorrhoea vaccine at sexual health clinics to reduce high infection rates. This vaccine is targeted at those at highest risk, such as gay and bisexual men, and is expected to prevent up to 100,000 cases, saving the NHS significant costs. Developed initially for another disease, the vaccine is now being used to help control gonorrhoea because of similarities between the bacteria.Key Facts
- The UK began the rollout of a gonorrhoea vaccine across sexual health clinics.
- Gay and bisexual men with multiple partners or STI histories are the first to receive it.
- NHS England predicts the vaccine could prevent around 100,000 cases.
- It's expected to save the NHS nearly £8 million over the next 10 years.
- Gonorrhoea symptoms include pain and unusual discharge but can sometimes be symptomless.
- The vaccine, initially for meningitis B, is 30-40% effective against gonorrhoea.
- In 2023, the UK had over 85,000 gonorrhoea cases, the most since records began.
- Some individuals report that the vaccine lessens the severity of symptoms after infection.
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