The gonorrhoea vaccine is now available on the NHS and helps prevent the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea.
It is free to access through sexual health clinics in the UK.
The vaccine is also known as the meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine, or Bexsero®, which was originally developed to protect against meningitis. It is a safe vaccine that has been given to millions of people around the world since 2015, and in the UK is given routinely to babies as part of childhood vaccination schedules.
You can find out more about the MenB vaccine for protection against gonorrhoea on GOV.UK.
Benefits of the gonorrhoea vaccine
Research has shown that the vaccine is up to 40% effective at preventing gonorrhoea, and that two doses of the MenB vaccine, taken at least one month apart, could provide 3 years of protection, and this could be increased by booster doses later.
By decreasing the number of infections, the vaccine may also slow the increase of antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhoea
It also helps to prevent meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).
Getting vaccinated
The gonorrhoea (MenB) vaccine is beneficial for people from communities who are more likely to test positive for gonorrhoea. It is primarily being offered to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as they are considered at higher risk of getting gonorrhoea.
However, other groups considered include transgender women, Black Caribbean communities, Latin American communities, young people (aged 15-24), sex workers and some others who have a recent history of bacterial STI diagnosis.
For maximum protection, you need to have 2 doses of the vaccine at least 1 month apart. Boosters may then be offered to people after 3 years to those who want or need them.
If you are interested in getting the vaccine, you can speak to someone at your preferred sexual health clinic. You can book an appointment or just speak to someone as part of your next routine appointment.
Find your closest sexual health clinic here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic/
