LONDON, 4 August 2025 – The NHS, in collaboration with local authorities, has begun a world-first vaccination campaign using the 4CMenB meningococcal B vaccine to protect those most at risk from gonorrhoea.
The existing vaccine – originally developed to prevent meningitis B – is being repurposed because research shows it offers moderate cross-protection, with around 30 to 40 percent effectiveness against gonorrhoea. It is being offered to individuals at highest risk, particularly gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men with recent histories of multiple partners or bacterial STIs.
Health authorities estimate the programme could prevent up to 100,000 cases of gonorrhoea and save the NHS nearly £7.9 million over the next decade. The rollout forms part of the government’s preventive “Plan for Change” strategy, which shifts the emphasis from treating disease to stopping it before it starts.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton described the move as “a major breakthrough in preventing an infection that has reached record levels.” The Department of Health and Social Care said England is now the first country in the world to offer this protection.
Dr Sema Mandal of the UK Health Security Agency said the vaccine is a key tool in combating the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea. Alongside the new jab, clinics will also offer other vaccines that protect against sexually transmitted infections, including mpox, hepatitis A and B, and HPV.
However, public health experts caution that the programme’s impact will depend on equitable access and adequate sexual health service funding. Years of cuts have left clinics stretched, and without targeted outreach – particularly for marginalised communities such as Black GBMSM and immigrants—some of those most at risk may miss out.