England is poised to become the first country in the world to introduce a vaccination programme against gonorrhoea, following a surge in cases to record highs. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the government to offer the MenB vaccine—currently used to protect children from meningitis and septicaemia—to those at highest risk of the sexually transmitted infection.
Gonorrhoea cases in England rose by 50% in 2022, with 82,592 diagnoses—the highest since records began in 1918. The JCVI noted that studies show the jab is 32.7% to 42% effective against gonorrhoea, meaning it could prevent many infections and is cost-effective. The advice recommends targeting gay men primarily through sexual health services.
In addition, the JCVI has recommended routine mpox vaccinations for the same group to prevent a repeat of the large outbreak seen in early 2022. Professor Andrew Pollard, chair of the JCVI, said: 'Introducing a MenB vaccination programme to prevent gonorrhoea in England would be a world first and should significantly help to reduce levels of gonorrhoea, which are currently at a record high.'
The advice will now be considered by Department of Health and Social Care ministers before any policy decisions are made. If accepted, operational details on vaccine delivery will follow. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency, welcomed the proposal, noting that gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
