Meningitis Now welcomes the news that the 4CMenB vaccine, currently used to protect against meningococcal group B disease (MenB), will be rolled out as a vaccine for gonorrhoea in England in a world-first programme.
Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said “This is a significant step forward in the use of existing vaccines to tackle rising public health threats and a reminder of the vital role that vaccines play in saving lives and preventing serious illness.”
4CMenB is a vaccine currently offered to babies and infants in the UK to protect against meningococcal B disease which can cause meningitis and sepsis.
4CMenB Vaccine
Meningitis Now played a part in funding the early research that led to the creation of the 4CMenB vaccine, and in 2015, was successful in campaigning for its introduction to the NHS childhood immunisation schedule.
The charity continues to advocate for the NHS to vaccinate at-risk groups such as adolescents and young adults who currently have no protection against meningitis caused by MenB. You can read more about the charity’s No PlanB for MenB campaign here.
Importance of vaccination
Dr Nutt added, “This innovative use of the MenB vaccine to reduce the transmission of gonorrhoea, particularly in high-risk groups, highlights just how important vaccination is in tackling emerging health challenges.”
“My hope is that this programme will also increase public awareness of the importance of vaccines.
"It may also prompt fresh thinking from government about how vaccines are evaluated for inclusion in the NHS routine immunisation schedule, given the economic and social, as well as health, benefits of saving lives and preventing ill-health.”
