The first doses will be given to those at highest risk, including men who have sex with men, bisexual men, those with a history of multiple sexual partners, or those who have had sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Eligible individuals should contact their local clinic for more information.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), this is the first rollout of this vaccine worldwide and could save nearly £8 million (approximately $10 million USD) over the next decade.
The Terrence Higgins Trust, which campaigned for the vaccine's use in England, considers this a success in protecting sexual health. The vaccine is expected to address record-high infection rates and reduce antibiotic resistance.
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Illustration of an adult receiving a vaccine. Photo: Vecteezy |
Illustration of an adult receiving a vaccine. Photo: Vecteezy
Joey Knock, 35, who has had gonorrhea, paid £220 (around $290 USD) for the vaccine in 2/2024. He said gonorrhea caused diarrhea and exhaustion. Knock had to take time off work, couldn't swallow food, and felt completely debilitated.
After being vaccinated, he felt less anxious and more aware of safe sex practices. When he was re-infected, the symptoms were much milder.
Matthew, 63, had gonorrhea 10 years ago, which led to reactive arthritis. The condition caused lasting damage and pain in some of his fingers and toes. He hopes to be among the first to receive the vaccine to better protect himself and his partner.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through unprotected sex. Symptoms include pain, unusual discharge, inflammation of the genitals, and infertility. In some cases, there may be no symptoms. England recorded over 85,000 cases in 2023, the highest since the disease was identified nearly 100 years ago.
The NHS says gonorrhea can be prevented by using condoms and getting vaccinated when available. The vaccine used is 4CMenB, which prevents meningitis B in infants. However, the bacteria that cause these two diseases are closely related, so the vaccine is also effective in preventing gonorrhea.
Chile (BBC)
