Why I'm Choosing the New Gonorrhoea Vaccine

The emergence of a vaccine for gonorrhoea marks a pivotal shift from treatment to prevention in the UK's sexual health services. Richard Angell OBE, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, shares his insights on this development.

At 17, I hit a rite of passage familiar to many gay and bi men: attending a sexual health check-up for the first time. I ventured into an obscure clinic, nervously using a pseudonym. A mishap with a broken condom led me there, despite the limitations of Section 28, which barred discussions about gay relationships.

The waiting was agonizing, intensified by a four-day wait for results. My mind raced, haunted by public health messages about HIV and AIDS. Finally, the diagnosis: gonorrhoea. Relieved, I faced a simple course of antibiotics and was back to normal shortly after.

Reflecting, I was one of 22,000 diagnosed with gonorrhoea in 2001. Now, more than 85,000 cases are reported annually, the highest since records began, with a significant portion among gay and bisexual men.

A Changing Landscape

In recent years, gonorrhoea treatment has become more challenging due to antibiotic-resistant strains. A 400% increase in cases over two decades signifies a crisis, yet sexual health services have suffered significant budget cuts, impacting their ability to respond effectively.

Addressing sexual health requires more than telling people to abstain. Historical attempts at such messaging have repeatedly failed. Instead, we need robust tools to empower individuals to enjoy their lives while safeguarding their health.

The Promise of Prevention

An existing vaccine for the Meningococcal bacteria, a common cause of childhood meningitis, offers a promising avenue. Since 2015, it has been standard for infants in England and now shows potential in preventing up to 40% of gonorrhoea cases.

For those vaccinated, the personal risk of catching gonorrhoea drops significantly. However, the broader impact lies in population-level protection. Research from Imperial College suggests this could prevent 100,000 cases over a decade.

As the chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, I advocate for HIV and sexual health awareness. The Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation's November 2023 recommendation for a targeted gonorrhoea vaccine rollout, including for gay and bisexual men, is a promising step. We've urged the government to act, and their response to our advocacy is commendable.

The government's rollout of the mpox vaccination, following a similar timeline, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sexual health in enhancing lives.

Looking Forward

Each vaccinated individual not only reduces their personal risk but also interrupts potential transmission chains, including antibiotic-resistant strains. This vaccine could not only curb gonorrhoea cases but also inspire broader preventive measures in sexual health.

The vaccine becomes available in the autumn. Mark your calendar and schedule a clinic appointment. Utilize the visit to discuss PrEP suitability and explore other vaccinations, such as for mpox, hepatitis, and HPV.

I plan to be first in line, reflecting on my own journey from a nervous teenager to an advocate for sexual health. The opportunity to prevent infections and promote health equity is a responsibility we must embrace.