Gonorrhoea vaccine programme to launch after rise in diagnoses

A new vaccine programme will be launched in Scotland to help curb cases of gonorrhoea following a rise in diagnoses post-pandemic.

The sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the nation's second most common bacterial STI, with the latest figures showing 5,999 cases in 2023 - a 59% increase since before COVID hit. It is hoped the £280,000 programme - which will begin in August and is being funded by the Scottish government - will address increasing health inequalities and growing resistance to antibiotics treatment.

Those eligible include gay and bisexual men at highest risk of infection, those involved in selling or exchanging sex regardless of gender, and those who sexual health clinic professionals assess as being at a similar risk level. Gonorrhoea can cause significant pain and discomfort, and in rare cases life-threatening sepsis.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: "This action is urgent and timely since the number of diagnoses has been high and the disease is becoming increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics. "The science tells us that this vaccine will potentially protect thousands of people and prevent the spread of infection.

"Anything which stops people from contracting gonorrhoea in the first place can have huge benefits, including ensuring our health system remains resilient by reducing the amount of treatment needed." Read more from Sky News:One million blood donors needed to avoid 'red alert' shortageWeight loss jab warning from health watchdog over unborn babies The medication will be delivered by the Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Programme led by Public Health Scotland (PHS). The funding is expected to cover first and second doses of the 4CMenB vaccine.

The Scottish government said the vaccine was 30-40% effective and will be offered in clinics alongside those for HPV, hepatitis and the routine mpox vaccination programme. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of the vaccination and immunisation division at PHS, said: "With gonorrhoea diagnoses having increased in recent years, the offer of the 4CMenB vaccine to those at highest risk of exposure is a welcome new intervention.

"This vaccination programme is expected to help control and prevent the spread of gonorrhoea. "Public Health Scotland is working with the Scottish government and colleagues across NHS boards to finalise plans for the rollout of this targeted vaccination offering to those at increased risk of gonorrhoea from August 2025.".