A major Australian study has thrown into doubt the effectiveness of a vaccine aimed at protecting gay and bisexual men from gonorrhoea, casting uncertainty over the UK's vaccination programme. The trial, named GoGoVax, involved 587 men monitored for two years and revealed that those who received the MenB vaccine had almost identical numbers of new infections – 291 in the vaccinated group compared to 285 in the placebo group.
The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, provides "strong evidence" that the MenB vaccine is not effective against gonorrhoea prevention. The findings contradict earlier studies that led to its introduction for at-risk men in the UK and challenge the premise behind the current vaccination programme. NHS sources have indicated that over 30,000 people in England have started the vaccination course, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated it will not be making any immediate changes to its policy.
Gonorrhoea, a common bacterial infection spread through sexual contact, can lead to symptoms such as pain and unusual discharge. In England, cases reached a peak of 82,592 in 2022, but have since decreased to 63,943 in 2023 – although numbers remain double those reported in 2015. Men who have sex with men continue to be disproportionately affected by the infection.
Experts have described the results as "disappointing", but stress that this should not deter efforts to find an effective vaccine. Gonorrhoea remains a significant global public health threat, particularly due to rising antimicrobial resistance. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has been urged to reconsider its current vaccine programme.
While the MenB vaccine is not effective against gonorrhoea, other preventative measures remain crucial for controlling STIs. Dr Mary Ramsay of the UKHSA noted that ongoing data collection will provide further insight into the vaccine's impact and effectiveness. The Terrence Higgins Trust has called for a review of the current vaccination programme, with its head of health programmes highlighting the importance of condoms and regular testing in preventing and controlling STI transmission.