England to Launch World’s First Gonorrhea Vaccine

On Tuesday, The Guardian newspaper reported that England will roll out the first vaccine against Gonorrhoea in the world.

This move aims to combat rising levels of sexually transmitted infections. The number of gonorrhea cases in England exceeded 85,000 in 2023, which is the highest number since 1918. 

The vaccine also came as a response to several warnings that some strains of the disease have become resistant to antibiotics.

Dr. Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said the launch of the world’s first routine vaccine against gonorrhea marks a major step forward for sexual health and will be crucial in protecting individuals, helping to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Eligible patients will be identified and contacted in the coming weeks, with the vaccine set to be offered from August 1. 

Vaccinations for the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are also planned for patients.