MenB vaccination against gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is an infection passed on through unprotected sex. If it is not treated, it can cause serious health problems such as infections in the eyes, testicles or prostate.
Eligible people are being offered the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination from August 2025 to protect against gonorrhoea.
This includes gay and bisexual men who have had more than one partner in the last three months, or who have recently been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other people with a similar high risk may also be eligible.
Greater Manchester is one of the first areas in the country to offer the MenB vaccine (called Bexsero) to prevent gonorrhoea.
The vaccine will help to reduce the risk of catching the infection and passing it on to others. It will also help to slow the spread of strains that are resistant to antibiotics.
You will still need to use a condom during sex to be fully protected against gonorrhoea and other STIs.
How do I get the MenB vaccination
Two doses are needed at least two weeks apart.
Contact your local sexual health clinic. It will advise you how to get the vaccine.
You may be asked to book an appointment or get the vaccination at your next routine visit.
It takes at least 2 weeks from your second dose for your body to produce antibodies to give you a good level of protection.
You’ll might also be offered the mpox, hepatitis A & B, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations at your appointment if you haven’t had them before.
- Stockport, Tameside, Wigan – Locala Sexual Health
- Bury, Oldham, Rochdale – The Sexual Health Hub
- Manchester, Salford, Trafford – The Northern Sexual Health
- Bolton – Bolton NHS Foundation – Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Some clinics will have appointments that you can book online.
About gonorrhoea
It the second most diagnosed STI in England.
Symptoms include:
- a burning pain when you pee
- fluid or discharge coming out of your genitals
- pain in your testicles or lower abdomen
Symptoms usually start around 2 weeks after you are infected.
Not everyone gets symptoms. You can have no symptoms and still pass on the infection.
More about gonorrhoea More about gonorrhoea
The Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine
The MenB vaccine has been used in the UK since 2015 to protect children against meningitis B.
The bacteria that cause meningitis B and gonorrhoea are closely related. The vaccine gives around 30-40% protection against gonorrhoea.
You will still need to use a condom during sex to be fully protected against gonorrhoea and other STIs.
More about the MenB vaccine for gonorrhoea More about the MenB vaccine for gonorrhoea
