Local authorities across England are partnering with the NHS to deliver a world-first public health initiative—the rollout of a gonorrhoea vaccination programme.

Beginning today, sexual health clinics will offer the vaccine free of charge to eligible patients. The programme is projected to prevent up to 100,000 cases of gonorrhoea over the next decade and deliver estimated savings of over £7.9m to the NHS.

A Milestone in STI Prevention and Public Health

This targeted vaccination effort, backed by local councils and health professionals, is part of a national drive to reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, address growing antibiotic resistance, and support equitable access to preventive healthcare.

Ashley Dalton, minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: ‘This Government’s world-first vaccination programme will help turn the tide on infections, as well as tackling head-on the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

‘I strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to come forward for vaccination—to protect not only yourselves but also your sexual partners.’

Local Government's Role in Health Protection

Local councils, responsible for commissioning and supporting sexual health services, are central to the programme’s success. Through outreach, communications, and clinic support, local authorities ensure that the most vulnerable in their communities can access protection.

Greg Fell, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, highlighted the vital local impact: ‘Staff on the ground do an amazing job to provide support in a safe, non-judgemental environment, and today marks a major milestone in their work to prevent infections, reduce health inequalities, and reverse the increasing numbers of STIs we are seeing.’

A Community-Based Approach to Better Health Outcomes

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, emphasised the importance of local delivery: ‘The targeted roll-out of the vaccine could be a game-changer in preventing the spread of gonorrhoea and easing pressure elsewhere in the NHS.

‘Sexual health clinics are on the front line of STI outbreaks and continue to work hard to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of their local communities.

‘Vaccination provides the best protection for those most at risk of the STI. We strongly encourage all those who are eligible to come forward and access the vaccine at your local sexual health clinic—get protected and help protect others too.’

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