Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for gonorrhoea - Information for health and social care professionals about the MenB vaccine
The vaccine
Currently, there are no licensed vaccines specifically for gonorrhoea. However, the JCVI recommends the off-label use of the 4-component meningococcal (4CMenB) vaccine for individuals at highest risk of gonorrhoea. The 4CMenB vaccine is licensed to help prevent meningococcal B disease in individuals aged 2 months and older and is currently used in the routine childhood programme.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the bacteria causing gonorrhoea) is closely genetically related to Neisseria meningitidis (the bacteria causing meningococcal disease). Therefore, the 4CMenB vaccine offers some cross-protection against gonorrhoea. Studies have reported 30-40% protection against gonorrhoea in people at high risk when the vaccine is offered for protection against meningococcal B disease.
While the 4CMenB vaccine may reduce the chance of gonorrhoea infection, it does not provide complete protection. The vaccine’s main benefit is thought to be at a community level, contributing to a reduction in overall gonorrhoea cases. It’s important for those at high risk to get vaccinated, even with modest effectiveness, since previous gonorrhoea infection doesn’t protect against reinfection.
There is no evidence of the 4CMenB clearing active gonorrhoeal infection. Therefore, infections should be managed according to the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines (external site).
Bexsero is the only licensed 4CMenB vaccine available in the UK. It is an inactivated injectable vaccine in a pre-filled syringe presentation. Since protection against gonorrhoea is not a licensed use of the 4CMenB vaccine, JCVI advice is based on off-label use.
Summary of product characteristics
Bexsero on the Medicines website (external site)
Dosing
Two doses are required. The second dose can be given after at least four weeks. There is no maximum time limit between doses, and the second dose can be given at the next clinic visit, whether it is three, six or 12 months later. If there is a longer interval, the primary schedule does not need to be restarted.
Refer to the gonorrhoea on the green book chapter, on the UK government website (external site) and the Welsh Medicines Advice Service (external Site) for further information.
Guidance
Vaccination programme recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Welsh Government policy can be found at the links below.
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on the UK government website (external site)– read JCVI publications and statements; search e.g. MenB, gonorrhoea.
JCVI advises on gonorrhoea and mpox vaccinations on the UK government website (external site)
Welsh Health Circulars and Welsh Government letters
Health circulars 2024 to 2027 on the Welsh government website (external site)
Introduction of routine vaccinations for mpox and gonorrhoea (external site)
Clinical resources and information
Gonorrhoea on the green book chapter on the UK government website (external site)
Meningococcal B vaccination programme to help prevent gonorrhoea – visual aid (available soon)
Vaccination toolkit for sexual health services healthcare practitioners
Patient group directions (PGDs)
PGD templates for vaccines can be found on the Welsh Medicines Advice Service page.
More information
- The Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule includes information about routine and non-routine vaccinations.
Page last reviewed: 9th October 2025