England Launches Pioneering Gonorrhea Vaccination Program to Combat Rising Cases

England has announced the deployment of the world's first routine vaccination program targeting gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection that has seen a significant increase in cases. In 2023, reported gonorrhea cases in England surpassed 85,000, marking the highest number since 1918 and raising alarms about antibiotic-resistant strains. The initiative utilizes an existing vaccine, the 4CMenB, traditionally used to protect children against bacterial meningitis and sepsis. This vaccine will now be administered to high-risk groups, particularly gay and bisexual men with a history of multiple sexual partners or previous STI infections.

Health officials describe this program as a major breakthrough in sexual health. Amanda Doyle, NHS director of primary and community care, emphasized that the initiative could substantially reduce new gonorrhea cases—potentially by up to 40%. The program also aims to curb the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with gonorrhea.

During clinical visits, patients will be offered vaccines for other sexually transmitted infections such as mpox, human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis A and B, as part of a comprehensive approach to STI prevention.

Historically, gonorrhea, also known as "the clap," along with diseases like syphilis, was believed to be largely eradicated due to modern medicine. However, both have experienced a resurgence, with syphilis cases reaching more than 9,500 in 2023—the highest since 1948.

This vaccination effort signals a significant stride toward controlling a disease that is increasingly resistant to antibiotics and poses a substantial public health threat. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-england-world-gonorrhea-vaccination.html