Could a gonorrhoea vaccine be possible? The NHS is starting the world’s first vaccine programme to prevent gonorrhoea, using the 4CMenB meningitis vaccine in high‑risk groups from August 2025
The NHS has launched the world’s first routine vaccination programme to prevent gonorrhoea, aiming to curb rising infection rates and tackle growing antibiotic resistance. Starting this month, eligible individuals at higher risk, such as gay and bisexual men with multiple or recent sexual partners, will be offered the 4CMenB vaccine, initially developed for meningitis B. The landmark rollout comes as gonorrhoea diagnoses in England hit record highs, with experts warning of an urgent need for new prevention strategies.
The 4CMenB vaccine could help prevent up to 100,000 cases of gonorrhoea
From Monday 4th August, sexual health clinics will be able to offer the 4CMenB vaccine to patients at the highest risk of the sexually transmitted infection. The gonorrhoea vaccine will help prevent up to 100,000 infections, easing pressure on the NHS and helping the government implement prevention strategies.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton said: “Rolling out this world-leading gonorrhoea vaccination programme in sexual health clinics in England represents a breakthrough in preventing an infection that has reached record levels.
This government’s world-first vaccination programme will help turn the tide on infections, as well as tackle head-on the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
I strongly encourage anyone eligible to come forward for vaccination, to protect not only yourselves but also your sexual partners.”
The gonorrhoea vaccine will save the NHS over £7.9m over ten years
The gonorrhoea vaccine programme will tackle the growing number of diagnoses, with figures indicating that cases of the infection have reached their highest level since records began. In 2023, a record 85,000 cases of the disease were reported in England, three times higher than in 2012. The vaccine is also estimated to save the NHS over £7.9 million over the next decade.
The vaccine is part of the government’s commitment to keeping people healthier through prevention strategies. This includes the Department of Health and Social Care’s National HIV Prevention Programme delivered by the Terrence Higgins Trust, which has worked with local activation partners to deliver National HIV Testing Week and the summer campaign for the past 4 years.
Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Sema Mandal said: This roll out is hugely welcome as we’re currently seeing very concerning numbers of gonorrhoea, including even more worryingly antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea. The vaccine will give much needed protection to those that need it most – making the UK a world leader in the fight against gonorrhoea.
And it’s excellent to see that at the same time other important vaccines will continue to be offered in sexual health services to those eligible, protecting against mpox, hepatitis A and B, and HPV. Sexually transmitted infections aren’t just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and your sexual partners, so if offered I strongly urge you to get these jabs, you’ll be protecting yourself as well as others. Don’t put it off and regret it later.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, said: “The roll out of the NHS’ world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea from this month is a real step-forward for sexual health and I know health service staff, alongside local authority colleagues, have been working hard to hit the ground running.
This vaccine is already used to protect against Men B and is proven to be effective against gonorrhoea, preventing the spread of infection and reducing the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains.
That is why it is so important that everyone eligible takes up the offer through sexual health services alongside existing jabs for mpox, Hep A & B, and HPV, helping ensure we keep each other safe.”
