New vaccine to tackle thousands of 'preventable' gonorrhoea diagnoses as cases rising

A new vaccine will aim to tackle thousands of “preventable” cases of gonorrhoea, with diagnoses on the rise in Scotland.

Cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) have been “rising steadily” in recent years, and it is the second most common bacterial STI in Scotland.

Latest figures show there were 5,999 diagnoses in 2023, a 59% increase since before the pandemic.

Those eligible for the new vaccine programme include gay and bisexual men at the highest risk of infection and those involved in selling or exchanging sex, regardless of gender.

Those who sexual health clinic professionals assess as being at a similar risk level are also eligible.

Gonorrhoea can cause significant pain and discomfort and, in rare cases, life-threatening sepsis.

The Scottish Government is funding the programme, which will begin in August.

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.”

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of the vaccination and immunisation division at Public Health Scotland (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.

“PHS is working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to finalise plans for the roll out of this targeted vaccination offering to those at increased risk of gonorrhoea from August 2025.”