Two men have described “awful” experiences with gonorrhoea as they welcomed the news that a vaccine for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) is now available at sexual health clinics in England .

The vaccination programme, which is a world first, is expected to save the NHS £7.9m over the next decade and combat increasing levels of antibiotic -resistant strains of the disease.

The move aims to tackle rising STI levels after cases in England topped 85,000 in 2023, the highest since records began in 1918.

The free jab was offered this week to patients at the highest risk of the sexually transmitted infection, including gay and bisexual men.

Matthew, 63, from East Scotland, told The i Paper he is eager to get the vaccine as he previously suffered with reactive arthritis

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