NHS England has begun the rollout of a new vaccine aimed at curbing cases of gonorrhoea.

The vaccination program is a world-first and could see thousands of people protected from the sexually transmitted infection (STI).

According to NHS England in 2023 diagnoses of gonorrhoea reached 85,000 – the highest levels since records began. The vaccine is also hoped to help against increasing levels of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease.

The rollout, which began on Monday (4 August) could also save up to £7.9 million over the next decade.

The Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, has said the programme “represents a major breakthrough in preventing an infection that has reached record levels.

Here’s everything you need to know about the vaccine.

What is gonorrhoe

See Full Page