United States: England is becoming the first country to start offering a vaccine against gonorrhoea.
Everyone will not have access to it. Most efforts will involve gay or bisexual men who either have many sexual partners or a sexually transmitted infection.
While the vaccine is only 30 to 40% effective at the moment, NHS England is hoping it will help bring down the current flood of infections.
The number of people infected reached 85,000 in 2023, which is the largest number reported since records were kept, BBC News reported.
If someone has gonorrhoea, the usual symptoms are pain, unusual discharge, swollen genitals, and sometimes infertility.
We do not know for certain how many will get vaccinated. Research by Imperial College London predicts that widespread vaccination could save the NHS from up to 100,000 COVID cases and more than £8m over a decade.
🆕 NHS England and local government have announced the world’s first #Gonorrhoea vaccine programme for eligible patients, with support from UKHSA.
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) May 21, 2025
The vaccine, already used for meningococcal B, could protect against gonorrhoea by up to 40% and help fight #AntibioticResistance. https://t.co/ylY7u1Iw1L pic.twitter.com/RMKf0jpbMJ
According to BBC Newsbeat, Max, who has had gonorrhoea twice in one year, said he would absolutely get the vaccine.
“I think this is great that it’s been announced”, as he stated, while adding that “It’s going to take the pressure off the clinics, it’s just a big win all round,” BBC News reported.
Vaccination will start in August and will be offered through sexual health services.
The organization is also preparing to set up a special programme aimed at those at higher risk of COVID-19.
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland said it is reviewing the situation and will make an announcement soon.
BBC Newsbeat has contacted health leaders in Wales to find out their plans. The vaccine is not meant to protect against gonorrhoea. Babies are now given a shot of the meningitis B vaccine.
