In a recent TikTok video, Australian media personality Abbie Chatfield shared that she is starting a vaccine to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Big news for girls with UTIs. I’m starting my first UTI vaccination tonight.
Chatfield was suffering from recurring urinary tract infections and turned to the Uromune vaccine, a new option for people seeking treatment other than antibiotics.
However, Uromune is not a traditional vaccine that is injected into the arm. So what is it and how does it work?
First, what is a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system. This system includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters (thin tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder), and urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body).
The most common cause is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria normally found in the intestines.
Most types of E. coli are harmless in the intestines, but can cause infections if they enter the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections are especially common in women because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
Approximately 50% of women will experience at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime, and up to half of these will recur within six months.
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system. oxo7051/Shutterstock
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection usually include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urges to urinate even when the bladder is empty, cloudy or smelly urine, and pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back. Masu. If left untreated, a UTI can worsen into a kidney infection, which may require more intensive treatment.
Antibiotics are the main treatment for urinary tract infections, but increasing antibiotic resistance and the fact that many people are experiencing frequent reinfections has increased interest in preventive options, including vaccines. Masu.
What is Uromune?
Uromune is slightly different from traditional vaccines that are injected into the muscle. A sublingual spray is a type of spray that is sprayed under the tongue. Uromune is typically used daily for 3 months.
It contains inactivated forms of the four bacteria that cause most urinary tract infections, including E. coli. Introducing these bacteria in a controlled manner helps the immune system learn how to recognize and fight them off before they cause an infection. It is classified as immunotherapy.
In a recent study of 1,104 women, the Uromune vaccine was 91.7% effective in reducing recurrent UTIs after 3 months, but the efficacy dropped to 57.6% after 12 months. It turns out that it has decreased.
These results suggest that Uromune may provide significant relief (albeit for a limited time) to women who suffer from frequent urinary tract infections, but peer-reviewed research remains limited. It is.
Side effects of Uromune are usually mild and may include dry mouth, mild stomach discomfort, and nausea. These side effects usually go away on their own, so few people stop treatment because of them. In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction.
How can I access it?
In Australia, Uromune does not have full approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), so it is not something you can just walk into a pharmacy and pick up.
However, Uromune can be accessed via the TGA’s special access scheme or the authorized prescriber route. This means that general practitioners or specialists can apply for approval to prescribe Uromune to patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. Once patients receive a form from their doctor documenting this authorization, they can order the vaccine directly from the manufacturer.
Antibiotics are the go-to treatment for urinary tract infections, but scientists are considering options for preventing urinary tract infections in the first place. Photo copyright/Shutterstock
Uromune is not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, so patients must pay the full cost themselves. The treatment program costs approximately AU$320.
Uromune is available through special access programs in the UK, Europe and beyond as well.
Other pipeline options
In addition to Uromune, scientists are researching other potential UTI vaccines.
Uro-Vaxom is an established immunomodulator, a substance that helps modulate or modify the immune system’s response to bacteria. It is derived from E. coli proteins and has been shown to be successful in reducing the recurrence of urinary tract infections in several studies. Uro-Vaxom is typically prescribed as an oral capsule to be taken daily for 90 days.
Another vaccine in development, FimCH, targets something called an attachment protein, which helps E. coli attach to cells in the urinary tract. FimCH is typically administered by injection, and early clinical trials have shown promising results.
Meanwhile, StroVac, already approved in Germany, contains an inactivated strain of bacteria such as E. coli and provides protection for up to 12 months, after which additional doses are required. This injection works by stimulating the immune system in the bladder, providing temporary protection against recurrent infections.
Although these vaccines are promising, challenges remain, including achieving long-term immunity. Research is ongoing to improve these options.
There is no silver bullet, but there are reasons to be optimistic.
Vaccines like Uromune’s may not be accessible to everyone or a perfect solution, but they offer real value to people who are tired of recurrent urinary tract infections and endless antibiotics. It gives me hope.
While the road to long-term symptom relief may still be a bit bumpy, it’s great to see innovative treatments like this giving people more options to manage their health. That’s it.
