Starting from August 1, 2025, the National Health Service (NHS), the public healthcare system of the United Kingdom, will offer meningococcal B vaccinations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This vaccination is part of the world’s first immunization campaign aimed at preventing gonorrhoea.
What is gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacterium is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact including oral sex, hand contact and sharing of sex toys. It can be found in the mucous membranes of the vagina, urethra, anus and throat.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea may include:
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• Discharge from the penis (commonly known as “the drip”)
• Bleeding between periods or increased vaginal discharge
However, not everyone with gonorrhoea develops symptoms. Without treatment, gonorrhoea can cause serious complications such as epididymitis or prostatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, reduced fertility or ectopic pregnancy.
What is Bexsero?
Bexsero is a vaccine that provides protection against meningococcal type B, a bacterium that can cause severe illnesses such as meningitis and sepsis. In the Netherlands, children receive the meningococcal ACWY vaccine through the National Immunization Programme, as these types are the most common. Meningococcal B occurs less frequently in the Netherlands and is therefore not included in the programme partly because of the somewhat higher rate of side effects. In the United Kingdom, however, the Bexsero vaccine is part of the childhood vaccination programme.
Protection against gonorrhoea
Research has shown that the Bexsero vaccine (4CMenB) also offers some protection against gonorrhoea. This is because the meningococcal and gonorrhoea bacteria are genetically very similar, sharing about 80–90% of their DNA. Thanks to this genetic relationship, the vaccine provides what is known as cross-protection.
Studies indicate that the vaccine may reduce the risk of gonorrhoea by 30–40%. However, this protection is not complete and it is still unclear how long it lasts — most likely around two to three years.
Why a vaccination campaign in the United Kingdom?
The UK has decided to make the Bexsero vaccine freely available to high-risk groups such as gay and bisexual men. This decision follows a sharp increase in gonorrhoea infections: in 2023, more than 85,000 cases were reported in England. In addition, some strains of gonorrhoea have become resistant to antibiotics, including ceftriaxone, the current standard treatment. In a few cases, no antibiotic has been effective at all, highlighting the growing need for preventive measures such as vaccination.
Situation in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the Bexsero vaccine is currently not part of the National Immunization Programme. Research into its effectiveness against gonorrhoea is still ongoing.
Vaccination on personal request
At vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you can choose to be vaccinated with Bexsero on your own initiative — both for protection against meningococcal B and (off-label) against gonorrhoea. The vaccination consists of two doses given at least four weeks apart. You pay for both the vaccine and the consultation. Current prices can be found on the price list.
Feel free to visit vaccinatiecentrum.nl for personal health advice or to schedule an appointment right away.
This blog is published 9 sept 2025