England will be the first country in the world to start vaccinating people against the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea. It will not be available for everyone. The focus will mainly be on gay and bisexual men with a history of multiple sexual partners or an STI. The vaccine is 30-40% effective, but NHS England hopes it will reverse soaring numbers of infections. There were more than 85,000 cases in 2023 – the highest since records began in 1918. Gonorrhoea does not always have symptoms, but they can include pain, unusual discharge, inflammation of the genitals and infertility. How many people will chose to be immunised is uncertain. But projections by Imperial College London show that if the jab proves popular then it couldprevent 100,000 cases and save the NHS nearly £8m over the next decade. Max, a sexual health campaigner, told BBC Newsbeat he would "100%" take the vaccineafter being diagnosed with gonorrhoea twice within a year. "I think this is great that it's been announced", he says, adding: "It's going to take the pressure off the clinics, it's just a big win all round." Vaccination will start in August and will be offered through sexual health services. Public Health Scotland said it was also working on plans to launch its own programme for high-risk individuals. BBC Newsbeat has asked health bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland whether they intend to do the same. This vaccine wasn't designed for gonorrhoea. It's the meningitis B vaccine currently given to babies. But the bacteria that cause the two diseases are so closely related that the MenB jab appears to cut gonorrhoea cases by around a third. That will require a delicate conversation in sexual health clinics as the vaccine will not eliminate the risk of catching gonorrhoea. It is normally caught while having sex without a condom. But Prof Andrew Pollard, the chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommended the vaccine, said despite it only being 30% effective, it was "worth having" and could have "a huge impact" overall. The decision is not just about the record numbers of cases. Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Most cases are treated with a single dose of antibiotics, but there is an 80-year history of the bacterium which causes gonorrhoea repeatedly evolving resistance to our antibiotics. It's happening to the current treatments too and is why some doctorsare concerned gonorrhoea could one-day become untreatable. The best way to deal with a drug-resistant infection is to never catch it in the first place. Dr Amanda Doyle, from NHS England, said: "The launch of a world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea is a huge step forward for sexual health and will be crucial in protecting individuals, helping to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the rising rates of antibiotic resistant strains of the bacteria." The people most affected by gonorrhoea in the UK are those aged 16-to-25, gay and bisexual men, and those of black and Caribbean ancestry. The vaccine – which costs around £8 per dose – is value for money when primarily offered to gay and bisexual men, rather than all teenagers. However, clinicians do have the freedom to use their own judgement and offer the vaccine to people using sexual health services they think are of equally high risk. People will be offered mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), HPV and hepatitis vaccines at the same time. Prof Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said: "This is excellent news and a landmark moment for sexual health in England. "Gonorrhoea diagnoses are at their highest since records began and this has the potential to help us to turn that around." It is not known how long the protection provided by the vaccine will last or how often booster jabs might be required. The decision comes almost a year and a half after a vaccination programme was recommended by the UK's JCVI. Sexual health campaigners had criticised that long wait, but have welcomed this decision. Katie Clark, head of policy and advocacy at the Terrance Higgins Trust, called it a "huge win". Listen to Newsbeatliveat 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen backhere.
World-first gonorrhoea vaccine launched by NHS England as infections soar
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"NHS England Launches World's First Gonorrhoea Vaccination Program for High-Risk Groups"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
England has made a historic advancement in public health by becoming the first country to introduce a vaccination program against gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has seen a dramatic rise in cases. The National Health Service (NHS) in England is focusing on vaccinating high-risk populations, particularly gay and bisexual men who have a history of multiple sexual partners or STIs. The vaccine, which has an efficacy rate of 30-40%, is expected to address the alarming increase in gonorrhoea infections, which reached over 85,000 cases in 2023—the highest since records began in 1918. Symptoms of gonorrhoea can include pain, unusual discharge, and potential infertility, making the urgency of this initiative clear. Projections from Imperial College London suggest that if the vaccine is well-received, it could prevent around 100,000 cases and save the NHS approximately £8 million over the next decade. The rollout is set to begin in August, with the vaccine being administered through sexual health services, and discussions are ongoing in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland regarding similar initiatives.
The vaccine utilized in this program is derived from the meningitis B vaccine, which has shown to reduce gonorrhoea cases by about a third due to the close genetic relationship between the bacteria causing both diseases. While this vaccine does not eliminate the risk of contracting gonorrhoea—often transmitted through unprotected sexual contact—health experts believe that it represents a significant step in combating this growing public health threat. The chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Professor Andrew Pollard, emphasized that despite its limited effectiveness, the vaccine is a valuable tool in the fight against gonorrhoea, especially as the bacterium continues to evolve and develop resistance to antibiotics. The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from sexual health advocates, who view it as a crucial measure to reduce the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea and improve sexual health outcomes for at-risk populations in the UK. With the vaccination program, the NHS aims to not only protect individuals but also to alleviate the burden on sexual health clinics dealing with increasing case numbers.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement of the world's first gonorrhoea vaccine by NHS England marks a significant moment in public health, especially amidst rising infection rates. The article highlights the vaccine's targeted approach and its potential to impact the sexual health landscape in England.
Public Health Messaging
The focus on gay and bisexual men with a history of multiple sexual partners indicates a tailored public health strategy aimed at high-risk populations. This approach could be seen as an effort to mitigate the stigma associated with STIs by providing a preventive measure. By emphasizing the vaccine's potential to reduce the number of infections significantly and alleviate the burden on sexual health clinics, the article aims to create a positive perception of the initiative.
Effectiveness and Limitations
While the vaccine is noted to be only 30-40% effective, the article presents this as a stepping stone in combating gonorrhoea, potentially preventing 100,000 cases and saving the NHS considerable funds. However, the effectiveness raises questions about public perception; people might feel less inclined to get vaccinated if they believe the vaccine offers limited protection. This creates a delicate conversation around the vaccine's limitations and the continued necessity for safe sex practices.
Concerns and Public Sentiment
There may be underlying concerns regarding the vaccine's introduction, such as whether it will lead to complacency in sexual health practices. The statement from Max, a sexual health campaigner, reflects a positive sentiment towards the vaccine, suggesting it may encourage others to seek medical help and engage with health services. This could foster a more proactive attitude towards sexual health among the target demographic.
Economic Implications
The projections that the vaccine could save the NHS nearly £8 million over the next decade highlight its economic impact. By potentially reducing the number of treatments for gonorrhoea, the vaccine may free up resources for other public health initiatives. The emphasis on these financial benefits may appeal to policymakers and stakeholders invested in healthcare budgets.
Target Audience
The article primarily targets high-risk communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ population, aiming to engage them in discussions about sexual health. It also seeks to inform the general public about the importance of vaccination in preventing STIs, potentially fostering a supportive environment for those affected by such infections.
Potential Market Impact
While the article does not directly address stock market effects, companies involved in vaccine development or sexual health services could see increased interest. Public health initiatives often influence market trends, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
Global Context
This news item does connect to broader health discussions globally, especially in relation to the ongoing challenges posed by STIs. It is relevant in the context of global health initiatives aimed at preventing infectious diseases, aligning with current public health agendas.
The article appears credible, given its reliance on data and expert opinions from health organizations. However, the limited effectiveness of the vaccine compared to the potential societal implications may suggest an agenda to encourage vaccination despite its shortcomings. Therefore, while the intentions behind the announcement seem positive, the framing of the vaccine's efficacy and the need for continued safe practices are crucial elements that warrant careful consideration.