From 1st August, sexual health providers in Greater Manchester will begin to start offering the Men B vaccine as part of a world first vaccine programme to prevent gonorrhoea.
The vaccine roll out comes following a record high 85,000 gonorrhoea diagnoses in England in 2024 – three times higher than in 2012.
What is the MenB vaccine
MenB vaccine, Bexsero, is a pre-existing vaccine that protects against Neisseria Meningitidis group B (MenB) bacteria, which can cause meningitis. MenB and the bacteria that causes Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhoea) are closely related – with studies showing that the vaccine can also provide up to 40% protection against gonorrhoea and help tackle the increasing levels of antibiotic resistant strains of the disease.
Two doses are needed at least four weeks apart, and it takes at least two weeks from the second dose for your body to produce antibodies to give a good level of protection. However those vaccinated will still need to use a condom during sex to be fully protected against gonorrhoea and other STIs.
What is gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through sex and, if not treated, can cause serious health problems such as infections in the eyes, testicles or prostate.
The second most diagnosed STI in England – there were 4,085 diagnosed cases of gonorrhoea in Greater Manchester alone in 2024. But not everyone gets symptoms, which include a burning pain when you wee, fluid or discharge coming out of your genitals, and pain in your testicles or lower abdomen. Symptoms usually start around two weeks after infection, but an infected person may have no symptoms and still transmit the infection.
Who is eligible?
Those eligible for the MenB vaccine are gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners or a recent sexually transmitted infection, as well as other people with a similar high risk.
Eligible people can contact their local sexual health clinic who will advise how to get the vaccine – this might be through a booked appointment, or during a routine visit.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, Dr Claire Lake said: “It’s amazing to be part of the launch of a world-first vaccination for gonorrhoea and shows what huge steps are being taken in sexual health. Not only is it protecting individuals, it’s also helping to prevent the spread of infection and to reduce the rising rates of antibiotic resistant strains of gonorrhoea.
“Although gonorrhoea is a common STI, it doesn’t make it any less serious as they can have a major impact on your health and that of your sexual partners. That’s why the introduction of this vaccine programme is so important for helping to keep people safe.
“I would urge anyone in Greater Manchester who is eligible for the MenB vaccine for gonorrhoea to make sure they take up the offer as soon as they can.”
Those eligible for the MenB vaccine can also access mpox, hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations when attending their gonorrhoea vaccine appointment.
When will it start?
Some sexual health service providers will start offering the MenB vaccine for gonorrhoea from Friday 1st August 2025, but all will be delivering from Monday 1st September 2025. Vaccines will be available during existing appointments and some providers will also be doing bookable vaccine clinics. Check your nearest clinic’s website or give them a call to find out how to get the vaccine.
Find your nearest sexual health clinic
More information about the MenB vaccine
