Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for gonorrhoea - About the MenB vaccine for gonorrhoea
You will be offered the 4CMenB vaccine. This vaccine was first introduced to help protect against meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
The bacteria that cause some types of meningitis are similar to the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea. Research shows that the 4CMenB vaccine can also help protect against gonorrhoea. That is why you are being offered this vaccine – to reduce your chance of getting gonorrhoea.
How many doses are needed?
You will need two doses. You must have the second dose at least four weeks after the first dose and you can have it when you next attend the clinic (this could be three or six months after the first dose or even later).
How will I get my vaccinations?
The 4CMenB vaccine is available free from specialist sexual health services for those who are eligible. You can find your nearest sexual health clinic here at the NHS 111 Wales website (external site).
NHS Wales strongly recommends you get the 4CMenB vaccine as soon as it is offered to you.
How is the 4CMenB vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as an injection, usually in your upper arm.
What if I have already had the 4CMenB vaccine?
If you are living with HIV, don’t have a spleen or have a rare condition called complement deficiency, you may have already had two doses of the 4CMenB vaccine. If so, you won’t need any more doses. If you have only had one dose of the 4CMenB vaccine, you can have a second dose at least four weeks after your first dose.
If you have a condition or take medicine that weakens your immune system, the vaccine may not protect you as well. However, it is still important to have the vaccine if it is recommended. Let your doctor or nurse know.
Eligibility for the vaccine
Gonorrhoea is more commonly diagnosed in GBMSM. This vaccination programme aims to lower the number of gonorrhoea cases and reduce your risk of getting the infection.
You may be eligible for the vaccine if you are GBMSM and have had:
- a bacterial infection from sex, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, in the last year, or
- five or more sexual partners in the last three months.
Other people may be also eligible based on an assessment by a sexual health professional.
You won’t get an invitation for the vaccine, but if you contact or visit a sexual health clinic and meet the criteria listed above, you should be offered the vaccine.
Why isn’t every adult offered the vaccine to help protect against gonorrhoea?
In Wales, we follow the advice of vaccine experts and offer the vaccination to protect people at risk. The vaccine is offered to people who are most likely to get gonorrhoea. This helps protect the most people.
More information on external sites
- NHS 111 Wales website – Health A-Z : Gonorrhoea (external site).
- Sexual Health Wales website – Advice & Testing STIs Infections (external site).
- Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection) – WHO website (external site).
Page last reviewed: 24th June 2025