England to Launch World’s First Gonorrhea Vaccine in Historic Public Health Initiative
In a groundbreaking move, England is set to roll out the world’s first routine gonorrhea vaccination as part of an innovative public health program, officials announced. Described as a “historic moment for sexual health,” this initiative aims to combat rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the country.
Gonorrhea cases in England soared to 85,000 in 2023 — the highest since records began in 1918 — with health experts warning that some strains are now resistant to antibiotics. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for new prevention strategies.
The vaccine being introduced isn’t a new creation; it’s the existing meningococcal B vaccine, known as 4CMenB, which is routinely administered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year of age. It contains proteins from Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease, which is closely related genetically to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea.
Dr. Amanda Doyle, NHS England’s Director for Primary Care and Community Services, explained: “The launch of a world-first routine vaccination against gonorrhea is a major step forward. It will help protect individuals, curb the spread of infection, and combat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.”
Starting from August 1, eligible individuals will be contacted and offered the vaccine through local sexual health clinics. Alongside gonorrhea, patients will also have access to vaccines for mumps, HPV, and hepatitis A and B.
While the vaccine’s effectiveness against gonorrhea is estimated to be between 32.7% and 42%, experts believe that even partial protection will significantly reduce infection rates. Previous infections offer limited immunity, making vaccination a crucial tool in controlling the spread.
This initiative comes amid growing concerns over antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. Cases resistant to ceftriaxone — the primary treatment — are rising, with some infections classified as “extensively drug-resistant” (XDR), meaning they do not respond to standard antibiotics. Between January 2024 and March 2025, there were 17 cases of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhea in the UK, including nine cases of XDR.
Dr. Sema Mandal of UKHSA emphasized: “This rollout not only provides vital protection but also positions the UK as the first country in the world to offer such a vaccine. It positions us as a global leader in STI prevention.”
Health Minister Ashley Dalton urged the public to embrace the vaccination, highlighting its role in safeguarding health and combating antibiotic resistance: “Targeting those most at risk will help reduce transmission and prevent thousands of future cases.”
The Terrence Higgins Trust’s chief executive, Richard Angell, called the vaccine a “game changer,” estimating it could reduce new gonorrhea cases by up to 40%.
This pioneering program marks a significant step forward in STI prevention and could reshape the landscape of sexual health in the UK and beyond.
