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NHS England has made history by launching a world-first gonorrhoea vaccine as cases of the sexually transmitted infection continue to rise. The vaccine, which is aimed at high-risk individuals, particularly gay and bisexual men with a history of multiple sexual partners or STIs, is expected to be 30-40% effective in combating the infection. With over 85,000 cases reported in 2023, the highest on record since 1918, the hope is that the vaccine will help reverse this alarming trend.
The decision to introduce the vaccine comes as a response to the growing concern over gonorrhoea infections and the increasing resistance of the bacteria to antibiotics. While not guaranteed to prevent infection entirely, the vaccine, which is an adapted version of the meningitis B vaccine, has shown promising results in reducing cases of gonorrhoea. Despite being only 30% effective, experts believe it can still have a significant impact on curbing the spread of the infection.
The launch of the vaccination programme is set to begin in August, with sexual health services offering the vaccine to eligible individuals. Public Health Scotland is also making plans to implement a similar vaccination programme for high-risk groups, while Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to confirm their intentions. Officials hope that by offering the vaccine to those most at risk, such as young adults and gay and bisexual men, they can effectively tackle the rising rates of gonorrhoea and prevent antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria from emerging.
Health professionals emphasize the importance of prevention in dealing with drug-resistant infections like gonorrhoea. By providing routine vaccination against the infection, NHS England aims to protect individuals, reduce the spread of gonorrhoea, and alleviate the pressure on healthcare services. The decision to introduce the vaccine has been hailed as a significant milestone in sexual health, with experts and campaigners hopeful that it will help reverse the upward trend in gonorrhoea cases and contribute to a healthier population
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