I refer to the news item ‘First vaccine to protect against gonorrhoea developed’ (July 12). I’m afraid the heading is rather misleading and we certainly should not be throwing our condoms away just yet.

Gonorrhoea is a very serious global problem which has become increasingly difficult to treat. The study quoted showed a 31 per cent efficacy against gonorrhoea from a vaccine against a bacterium of the same family. This is, of course, good news and encouraging but is only a basis for further study and research.

All sexually-transmitted infections are a major worldwide problem and the development of vaccines remains the only real hope for the future, following on the success of the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines. However, at present, the consistent use of condoms remains the only real viable option.

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