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Revolutionary UTI Vaccine Ignored by NHS
23 Nov
Summary
- A pineapple-flavoured mouth spray vaccine, Uromune, shows promise for UTIs.
- UK patients pay £400 for Uromune as NHS funding is limited.
- Experts urge NHS to fund vaccine for 1.7 million chronic UTI sufferers.
Women suffering from persistent bladder infections are incurring significant costs for a novel vaccine, Uromune, because the NHS currently offers limited funding. This pineapple-flavoured mouth spray has demonstrated efficacy in trials for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) for nearly a decade.
While available privately in the UK for around £400, and used internationally, its restricted NHS provision is questioned by experts. They are calling for the NHS to offer Uromune to patients experiencing at least three UTIs annually, a move that could grant access to 1.7 million women.
The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system against common UTI-causing bacteria. Despite its promise and ongoing regulatory review, experts argue that patients should not endure prolonged suffering while awaiting potential future NHS approval, highlighting international examples of broader access.
