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NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Gonorrhoea (4CMenB)

Gonorrhoea 4CMenB vaccine

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that we call gonorrhoea. Find out more at Gonorrhoea | NHS inform

The vaccine

The 4CMenB vaccine (usually used for preventing meningococcal infection) has been shown to be around 32-42% effective at protection against gonorrhoea.

On 10th November 2023 the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that the 4CMenB vaccine be offered to certain patient groups that would benefit most.

The vaccine is being used for an indication (clinical reason) that it was not originally designed for. This is called off-label use.

Free Condoms still offer the best protection against gonorrhoea and other STIs.

Who will be offered the vaccine?

The JCVI have determined that those at high risk of gonorrhoea acquisition should be offered the vaccine. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Some Gay and Bisexual Men who have Sex with Men (GBMSM)
  • Those with recent gonorrhoea infection or other bacterial STI
  • Those with multiple partners or other risk factors

When will patients get the vaccine?

A process will now follow to decide how vaccines will be rolled out across Scotland. We hope to have more information soon and it will be publicised here as it emerges.

Further information on the 4CMenB vaccine