Richard Parks England Approves Groundbreaking STI Vaccination
Health officials in England will launch the first-ever national gonorrhoea vaccination programme using the 4CMenB jab, currently used for meningococcal B. The programme will begin on 1 August and aims to curb rising infections.
Infections Reach Record Levels
Cases of gonorrhoea in England reached 85,000 in 2023, the highest since records began in 1918. Certain strains now resist antibiotics, including ceftriaxone—the main treatment.
4CMenB Vaccine Repurposed for STI Protection
Doctors will administer the 4CMenB vaccine, which contains proteins from neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is genetically similar to neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhoea. Studies show the jab reduces infection risk by up to 42%.
Eligible Patients Will Be Contacted
Local authority sexual health services will identify and invite eligible patients. During appointments, staff will also offer vaccines for mpox, HPV, and hepatitis A and B.
Healthcare Leaders Applaud the Move
Dr Amanda Doyle of NHS England called the rollout a “huge step forward” in STI prevention and antibiotic resistance control. Dr Sema Mandal of UKHSA added the move places the UK as a global leader in gonorrhoea protection.
Vaccine Offers Partial but Valuable Protection
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation supports the jab’s use, noting that past infection offers little immunity. While the vaccine doesn’t guarantee full protection, experts believe it will significantly reduce transmission.
Drug-Resistant Strains Are Growing
Between January 2024 and March 2025, the UK confirmed 17 ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases and nine extensively drug-resistant (XDR) cases. These strains survive both first- and second-line treatments.
Ministers Encourage Vaccine Uptake
Health minister Ashley Dalton urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, warning of the dangers of antibiotic resistance. “We can prevent thousands of cases over the coming years,” she said.
Sexual Health Charities Praise the Programme
Richard Angell of the Terrence Higgins Trust called the vaccine a “gamechanger” that could prevent 40% of new cases. Experts agree the jab marks a major milestone in global sexual health strategy.