The MenB vaccine (4CMenB/Bexsero®) was originally developed to protect against meningococcal group B disease, a serious cause of meningitis and blood poisoning.
In 2025, sexual health services commenced offering the vaccine to people at higher risk of gonorrhoea infection, following recommendation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). This recommendation was based on studies suggesting that the vaccine might provide partial protection against gonorrhoea, reducing the risk of infection by around 30-40%.
More recently, three studies have specifically examined whether offering the MenB vaccine to people at higher risk of gonorrhoea reduces infection rates. The results have been mixed and, overall, have not demonstrated a clear reduction in gonorrhoea diagnoses among those who received the vaccine compared with those who did not. As a result, there is currently uncertainty about the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing gonorrhoea in routine clinical practice.
While further evidence is being reviewed, the Cardiff and Vale Sexual Health Service is not currently prioritising MenB vaccination solely for the prevention of gonorrhoea.
This does not affect access to any other vaccines or sexual health prevention services offered by the clinic.
If you believe you may be eligible under the current JCVI criteria and would like to discuss vaccination, please speak to a member of our team.
Further information about the national programme and the evidence behind the vaccine is available on GOV.UK:
National gonorrhoea vaccination programme using 4CMenB vaccine: frequently asked questions - GOV.UK
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