England is launching a gonorrhea vaccine. Is Canada next?

England is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative to administer a vaccine that may reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection, among high-risk individuals. The 4CMenB vaccine, currently used in Canada to immunize against meningitis B, has shown an effectiveness of 32.7 to 42 percent against gonorrhea, according to studies cited by England’s National Health Service.

In response to rising infection rates, the health service announced plans to offer the vaccine free of charge starting in August to those at high risk of gonorrhea, including gay and bisexual men with a history of sexually transmitted infections or multiple sex partners. This proactive approach aims to curb the spread of gonorrhea, which can have serious health risks if left untreated.

However, a similar program is not yet in the works for Canada, where gonorrhea cases have more than tripled since 2010. The sexually transmitted infection, often referred to as “the clap,” is transmitted through oral, anal, or genital sex. Many infected individuals, especially women, may not exhibit any symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular testing.

Dr. Caley Shukalek, a Calgary physician, expressed cautious optimism about the potential of the 4CMenB vaccine in preventing new gonorrhea infections. While early research has been inconclusive, some individuals at high risk of sexually transmitted infections have opted to pay for the vaccine out of pocket or through private health insurance.

Chris Aucoin, executive director of the Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia, emphasized the importance of regular testing as a key preventive measure against gonorrhea. Despite the promising research on the 4CMenB vaccine, it would only be one component of a comprehensive prevention strategy.

The Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia’s Department of Health and Wellness are closely monitoring the latest research on the vaccine. While it is not currently authorized for preventing gonorrhea, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization is evaluating its potential cross-protection benefits. As more evidence becomes available, the committee will continue to assess the vaccine’s suitability for this purpose.

In the meantime, Nova Scotia’s STI Care Now program offers free at-home testing kits for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, making regular testing more accessible to residents. While the 4CMenB vaccine may offer a promising solution for preventing gonorrhea, ongoing research and collaboration will be essential to ensure effective public health strategies are in place to combat the rising rates of this sexually transmitted infection.