The MenB vaccine was originally developed to prevent meningococcal disease, but evidence suggests it may also provide partial protection against gonorrhoea.
The meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine was originally developed to protect against invasive meningococcal disease, a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
In recent years, researchers have identified an additional and unexpected benefit. Evidence suggests that MenB vaccination may also provide partial protection against gonorrhoea, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
As rates of gonorrhoea continue to rise and antibiotic resistance becomes an increasing concern, interest in MenB vaccination as a preventative sexual health intervention has grown substantially.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
It can affect the urethra, cervix, rectum and throat and may cause symptoms such as:
However, many infections cause no symptoms at all.
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, epididymitis and, occasionally, disseminated infection affecting other parts of the body.
The bacteria responsible for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) are closely related to the bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease (Neisseria meningitidis).
Because of these similarities, researchers observed that individuals who had received meningococcal B vaccines appeared to develop lower rates of gonorrhoea than expected.
Subsequent studies have supported this observation, suggesting that MenB vaccination may provide meaningful, although incomplete, protection against gonorrhoea infection.
Unlike HPV vaccination, MenB vaccination was not specifically designed to prevent gonorrhoea and does not provide complete protection.
Current evidence suggests a reduction in gonorrhoea risk of approximately 30–40%, although estimates vary between studies and populations.
This means the vaccine should be viewed as an additional preventative measure rather than a replacement for regular STI screening, condom use or other sexual health strategies.
Nevertheless, even partial protection may become increasingly valuable as antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea becomes more common worldwide.
MenB vaccination may be particularly relevant for:
The decision to vaccinate should always be individualised and considered within the context of a broader sexual health strategy.
Most adults receive a two-dose course administered several weeks apart.
Recommendations may evolve as additional evidence emerges regarding gonorrhoea prevention and national vaccination policies continue to develop.
MenB vaccines have been used extensively worldwide and have a well-established safety record.
Most side effects are mild and temporary and may include:
Serious side effects are uncommon.
At The Wright Practice, we take a preventative and evidence-based approach to sexual health. We discuss MenB vaccination within the context of overall STI risk, screening practices and other preventative strategies such as PrEP, PEP, Doxy-PEP and HPV vaccination.
As evidence continues to evolve, MenB vaccination represents an increasingly interesting option for selected individuals seeking to reduce their future risk of gonorrhoea.
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