Dr Peter Saxton Gay men's health researchers have reacted with "excitement" to news released yesterday that a vaccine against meningococcal disease confers heightened protection against gonorrhoea, which is more prevalent amongst gay and bisexual men that in the general population. Researchers at the University of Auckland have found that a vaccine developed against meningococcal disease gives around 30% protection against gonorrhoea for those who got the vaccine. “We’re excited by these findings because gonorrhoea is a nasty disease, its common with over 78 million new cases globally, and it’s becoming a superbug so one day we may run out of treatment options,” says Dr Peter Saxton, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Auckland School of Population Health. “We urgently need an effective vaccine... Even a partially effective vaccine could help us eradicate this disease." Saxton says internet dating has made it easier than ever to find sexual partners, "but this carries risks of sexually transmitted infections.” “Everyone who is sexually active is at risk but rates are higher in young people aged 15-24... and gay and bisexual men. Individuals can minimise the risk of gonorrhoea spreading with condoms, partner reduction, screening, treatment and partner notification.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 11th September 2016 - 11:17pm