England is set to become the first country to introduce a routine vaccination programme against gonorrhoea, targeting individuals at higher risk of infection. The vaccine will be offered from August through sexual health clinics, with the initial focus on people with a history of multiple sexual partners or those previously diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Although the vaccine offers only 30–40% protection against gonorrhoea, health officials believe it could significantly curb rising infection rates. In 2023, the UK recorded over 85,000 cases—the highest number since records began in 1918.
The jab in question is not specifically designed for gonorrhoea but is the MenB vaccine, currently used to protect infants against meningitis B. The bacteria that cause meningitis B and gonorrhoea are closely related, and research indicates the MenB vaccine can reduce gonorrhoea infections by around a third.
Despite its limited efficacy, health experts argue the vaccine could have a meaningful impact. “It’s worth having,” said Professor Andrew Pollard, chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommended the rollout. “Even with 30% effectiveness, this vaccine could have a huge impact overall.”
Modelling by Imperial College London suggests that if the vaccine proves popular, it could prevent around 100,000 cases and save the NHS nearly £8 million over the next ten years.
Gonorrhoea is often asymptomatic but can cause pain, abnormal discharge, genital inflammation, and, in some cases, infertility. It is primarily spread through unprotected sex. Of growing concern is the bacterium’s increasing resistance to antibiotics, which could eventually render the infection untreatable.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, hailed the rollout as “a huge step forward for sexual health,” saying it would help reduce the spread of infection and combat rising antibiotic resistance.
Patients will be offered other vaccines—such as those for mpox (formerly monkeypox), HPV, and hepatitis—at the same time as the MenB jab. Public Health Scotland has also confirmed it is working on a similar programme for high-risk groups.
While the long-term duration of protection is not yet known, and booster shots may be needed in future, public health campaigners have welcomed the initiative.
Katie Clark, head of policy and advocacy at the Terrence Higgins Trust, described the decision as “a huge win.” Professor Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, called it a “landmark moment” and said it could help reverse the surge in gonorrhoea cases.
The decision follows a recommendation by the JCVI nearly 18 months ago, and campaigners had previously criticised the delay. However, they now see this as a critical step in addressing one of the fastest-growing public health threats in the UK.
