England will become the first country in the world to introduce a vaccine that could reduce the risk of gonorrhea after case numbers hit a record high.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) recommended that the government implement a vaccination program for those most at risk.
The MenB vaccine is used, which is used to protect children against meningitis and blood poisoning, but can also prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Cases of gonorrhea increased by 50 percent last year, with 82,592 people diagnosed in 2022 – the highest number since records began in 1918.
According to the JCVI, research shows the jab is 32.7 to 42 percent effective against gonorrhea, meaning it can “prevent many cases” and is cost-effective.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) recommended that the government implement a vaccination program for those most at risk. This will involve the use of the MenB vaccine, which is used to protect children against meningitis and blood poisoning, but can also prevent the sexually transmitted infection.
The latest UKHSA data shows that Britons aged 15 to 24 are generally the most likely to test positive for a sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea diagnoses are shown here by age group
UKHSA data shows that sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are seeing a huge increase following the Covid-19 surge, with the number of diagnoses rising sharply in 2022. Syphilis diagnoses (purple line) have a separate Y-axis on the right compared to other sexually transmitted diseases
She wants the vaccine to be offered to gay men, mainly through sexual health services.
The experts today also recommended routine vaccinations against MPox – formerly known as monkeypox – for this group.
Professor Andrew Pollard, Chair of the JCVI, said: “The introduction of a MenB vaccination program to prevent gonorrhea in England will be a world first and is expected to contribute significantly to reducing gonorrhea levels, which are currently at record highs .”
“In addition, we recommend that a routine, targeted Mpox offering be established – to prevent a repeat of the large outbreak we experienced in early 2022.”
“Both vaccinations should be offered to people at highest risk.”
The advice will now be considered by ministers at the Department of Health and Social Care before policy decisions on new schemes are made.
If the advice is accepted, operational details of the delivery of the vaccine will follow.
Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK’s Health Security Agency, said: “A vaccination program that affects cases of gonorrhea would be a very welcome measure to ensure we are better prepared to deal with this growing threat handle.”
“Last year we saw a rapid increase with more cases than ever before and as gonorrhea becomes more resistant to antibiotics, controlling this infection is a serious problem.”
“And while MPOX case numbers in England remain very low, we should not be complacent.”
“Any routine vaccination offer to people at greatest risk of infection will ensure we keep the disease under control and prevent future large outbreaks.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
