In a global first, the NHS and local authorities in England have begun rolling out a vaccination programme to protect individuals at highest risk of gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has reached record levels in recent years.
Starting Monday, August 4, sexual health clinics across England will offer the 4CMenB vaccine—originally developed to prevent meningococcal disease—to gay and bisexual men and others with a recent history of multiple sexual partners and bacterial STIs. This group is considered most vulnerable to gonorrhoea infection. The rollout aims to be available nationwide by September 4, 2025.
The vaccine is expected to prevent up to 100,000 gonorrhoea cases over the next decade, saving the NHS over £7.9 million, while helping to curb the growing threat of antibiotic resistance linked to the infection.
The initiative marks a key part of the government's broader strategy to shift the healthcare system from reactive treatment to preventive care, as outlined in its Plan for Change. It complements other public health efforts such as the National HIV Prevention Programme, funded at £1.5 million annually and delivered by the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Health leaders welcomed the rollout. Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton called it a “major breakthrough” and urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated. Dr Sema Mandal, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said the move is timely, given the rising cases of gonorrhoea and emerging antibiotic-resistant strains. She highlighted that the vaccine also supports a wider preventive approach by being offered alongside other STI-related vaccinations, including mpox, hepatitis A and B, and HPV.
In 2023, England recorded over 85,000 cases of gonorrhoea, nearly triple the figure from 2012, making prevention more urgent than ever. The 4CMenB vaccine, already in use to protect against meningococcal B disease, has shown effectiveness against gonorrhoea, offering a safe and minimally invasive way to protect those at risk.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, praised the launch, calling it a significant step forward for sexual health. She emphasized the vaccine's role in reducing both infection rates and the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
By proactively targeting those most at risk, England positions itself as a global leader in sexual health prevention and STI control.