A World-First Gonorrhoea Vaccine Rollout: A Landmark Moment for Sexual Health
We’re excited to share some fantastic news that marks a major step forward for sexual health in England and beyond. For the first time in the world, a routine vaccination programme targeting gonorrhoea is being launched — a move that could help reduce rising case numbers and tackle growing antibiotic resistance.
Why This Matters
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK, with more than 85,000 cases recorded in England in 2023 — the highest number since records began in 1918. Worryingly, strains resistant to antibiotics are on the rise, making treatment more difficult and infection potentially more serious.
That’s why this new vaccination programme is such welcome news. The jab being used, 4CMenB, is already part of the UK’s childhood immunisation schedule, where it protects babies from meningococcal B disease — a severe infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis.
How the Vaccine Works Against Gonorrhoea
So how does a meningitis vaccine help protect against an STI?
It turns out that the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease is genetically similar to the one responsible for gonorrhoea. Studies suggest that 4CMenB can offer around 33% to 42% protection against gonorrhoea. While not a complete safeguard, it’s a meaningful reduction — especially when combined with regular testing and other prevention methods.
Since past infection with gonorrhoea doesn’t provide much natural immunity, this vaccine gives us a crucial new layer of protection.
What to Expect
From 1 August 2025, people who are eligible will be contacted and invited to receive the vaccine through local authority-commissioned sexual health services.
As part of the same appointment, you may also be offered vaccines for mpox, HPV, and hepatitis A and B — giving you even more ways to protect your sexual health.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England’s National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, has called the rollout a “landmark moment for sexual health” — and we couldn’t agree more.
Why This Is Great News for Everyone
At The Eddystone Trust, we warmly welcome this bold and progressive step. It’s a vital tool to help reduce the spread of gonorrhoea, protect individuals, and slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Combined with education, open conversations, and regular testing, this new vaccine is a powerful addition to our shared mission: empowering people to take charge of their sexual health.
To read more about the vaccine rollout click here