Patients local to Brighton and at risk of infection with a sexually transmitted disease can now be better protected due to a new pioneering vaccine.
The Sexual Health and Contraception service (SHAC) run by University Hospitals Sussex is one of only 20 clinics across England offering the world-first vaccination programme.
The initiative, led by NHS England and UK Health Security Agency, aims to protect those most at risk of gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection that has reached record levels in the UK.
Kim Fortescue Talwar, Lead Nurse for Integrated Sexual Health and HIV and Clinical Lead at SHAC Brighton, said:
“We’re really pleased to be part of this important initiative offering a new gonorrhoea vaccination for people who are at higher risk of contracting the infection. This includes individuals with multiple sexual partners or anyone who has had gonorrhoea in the past year.
“We’re encouraging anyone who thinks they might be at increased risk to visit their local sexual health clinic and have a conversation with us. If vaccination is the right choice for them, we will ensure they receive it.
“This is a really positive step forward in reducing infections and protecting sexual health in our communities.”
The vaccine, originally developed to protect against meningitis B, has been shown to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea by up to 40%.
It will be offered free of charge to those who meet the eligibility criteria, with two doses administered at least four weeks apart.
This rollout is part of a broader national strategy to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections and combat rising antibiotic resistance.
As part of our commitment to reducing health inequalities, University Hospitals Sussex is proud to be amongst the first to deliver this targeted vaccination programme – a vital step to ensure a more equitable access to health care.
Kim and patient Jhony were interviewed by BBC Sussex talking about the new vaccine which will help shield those most at risk of gonorrhoea.