Major breakthrough as NHS launches world first jab to protect against Britain's most common STI as cases hit record high
Daily MailMAY 12
England Launches World's First Gonorrhea Vaccine Program
Above: General view of Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. Image copyright: Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The vaccination program is a groundbreaking public health achievement, highlighting the NHS' global preventive care leadership. This innovative approach could dramatically reduce transmission rates and protect vulnerable populations while addressing the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The initiative's cost-effectiveness and potential to prevent 100,000 cases make it an astute investment in public health.
Government-critical narrative
The program's limited scope, focusing primarily on gay and bisexual men, raises concerns about equitable access to prevention. With gonorrhea affecting diverse populations, including young people aged 16-25 and those of black and Caribbean ancestry, the targeted approach might miss opportunities to protect other high-risk groups. The vaccine's modest 40% effectiveness rate also means it cannot replace other prevention methods.