England will become the first country in the world to start vaccinating people against gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection.
The vaccine is 30-40% effective, but the English National Health Service hopes it will help stop the rise in infections. In 2023, more than 85,000 cases were reported, the highest number since 1918. Gonorrhoea does not always cause symptoms, but they can include pain, unusual discharge, inflammation of the genitals and infertility.
It is not known how many people will want to be immunised. But forecasts from Imperial College London show that if the programme proves popular, it could prevent 100,000 cases and save the National Health Service nearly £8 million over the next decade.
Vaccinations will begin in August and will be carried out through sexual health services. The Scottish Government has said it is also developing plans to launch its own programme for high-risk individuals. The Northern Ireland Department of Health has said the issue is being considered and an official announcement is expected shortly.
