A significant breakthrough in public health is underway in Greater Manchester, as the region spearheads a world-first national vaccination program aimed at preventing gonorrhoea. This pioneering initiative marks a critical turning point in the fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), positioning the UK at the forefront of global efforts to enhance sexual health and reduce the burden of one of the most common bacterial infections.
The urgency of this vaccination rollout is underscored by a dramatic increase in gonorrhoea cases across England, with a record high of 85,000 diagnoses in 2024—a threefold rise since 2012. Greater Manchester alone accounts for over 4,000 of these cases, highlighting the localized impact and the pressing need for effective preventative strategies to safeguard community well-being.
At the heart of this innovative program is the MenB vaccine, known commercially as Bexsero. While primarily recognized for its efficacy against a type of bacteria responsible for meningitis, recent research has unveiled its unexpected capability to offer protection against gonorrhoea due to the close genetic relationship between the two bacterial strains. This dual protective capacity makes the MenB vaccine a strategic asset in public health.
Studies indicate that the MenB vaccine can reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhoea by up to 40 percent. Beyond direct prevention, its widespread application is anticipated to play a crucial role in slowing the proliferation of gonorrhoea strains that are increasingly difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics, addressing a growing global health concern regarding antibiotic resistance.
For optimal protection, individuals require two doses of the MenB vaccine, administered at least four weeks apart. It typically takes about two weeks post-second dose for the body to develop a robust antibody response. However, medical experts emphasize that vaccination does not negate the need for safe sexual practices; continued condom use remains essential for comprehensive protection against gonorrhoea and other STIs.
Eligibility for the MenB vaccine is currently focused on high-risk populations, including gay and bisexual men who report multiple partners within a three-month period, or those with a recent diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection. Individuals fitting these criteria are strongly encouraged to contact their local sexual health clinics for guidance on accessing the vaccine through scheduled appointments or routine visits.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, Jim Ritchie, lauded the program as a monumental stride in sexual health. Ritchie highlighted that the initiative not only protects individuals but also contributes significantly to curbing infection rates and mitigating the spread of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea strains, underscoring the vaccine’s broader impact on public health infrastructure.
Conveniently, eligible individuals attending their gonorrhoea vaccine appointment can also inquire about receiving other crucial vaccinations, including those for mpox, hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine rollout commences today, with full availability across all healthcare providers anticipated by Monday, September 1st, 2025, through existing appointments and dedicated clinics.
