In 2023, England recorded more than 85,000 cases of gonorrhoea, marking the highest number since records began in 1918. Health officials warn that some strains of the bacteria no longer respond to usual antibiotic treatments.
Between January 2024 and March 2025, UK health agencies found 17 cases of gonorrhoea that resisted the common drug ceftriaxone, including 9 cases of a stronger, extremely drug-resistant strain.
Existing Vaccine Reused to Target Gonorrhoea
To fight the rising threat, the NHS will use 4CMenB, a vaccine first developed for meningitis B. Research shows that this vaccine also protects against gonorrhoea, thanks to shared proteins between the two bacteria.
A recent study found that 4CMenB can reduce gonorrhoea risk by up to 42%, making it a powerful new tool in the fight against this fast-spreading infection.
Free Vaccine Available Through NHS Starting August
From 1 August, the NHS will begin contacting eligible individuals most at risk of catching or spreading gonorrhoea. These people will be offered the free vaccine through local sexual health clinics across England.
Alongside the gonorrhoea jab, patients may also receive other vaccines, including those for:
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Human papillomavirus (HPV)
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Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)
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Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis B
This one-visit approach aims to boost protection against multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Doctors Sound Alarm Over Urgent Need for Action
The rise of drug-resistant gonorrhoea has sparked global concern. With fewer effective treatments left, the risk of severe health issues grows—especially for those who go untreated.
Health experts agree that vaccination is the best next step.
“This is a huge step forward for sexual health,” said Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England. “By offering this vaccine, we can help prevent infections and reduce long-term health problems.”
UKHSA and Health Leaders Support the Rollout
Dr Sema Mandal, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), praised the programme for its innovation.
“This positions the UK as a global leader in STI protection,” she said. “Antibiotic resistance is a growing danger. This vaccine gives us a chance to prevent infections before they start.”
Public Urged to Take the Jab
Health Minister Ashley Dalton urged people in high-risk groups to accept the free vaccine when offered.
“This is about more than personal health,” she said. “By getting vaccinated, people can help stop the spread of gonorrhoea and fight back against antibiotic resistance.”
Sexual Health Advocates Applaud the Move
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, called the jab a “gamechanger” for sexual health.
“We could prevent up to 40% of new gonorrhoea cases,” he said. “This is a major win for public health, especially for groups most affected by rising STI rates.”
With this move, England becomes the first country in the world to offer a national vaccine programme focused on gonorrhoea. Experts hope this success will lead to similar actions in other countries as the fight against drug-resistant infections continues.