09/06/2025

Gonorrhoea Vaccine Rollout To Begin In Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is set to become one of the first places in the world to offer a vaccine against gonorrhoea, with the programme commencing in August.

The initiative will target eligible patients, including gay and bisexual men with a recent history of multiple sexual partners or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The decision follows a recommendation in November 2023 from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), prompted by a significant increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses.

Research from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the existing meningococcal B disease vaccine, 4CMenB, could offer up to 40% protection against gonorrhoea. This is seen as a crucial step in tackling the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomed the upcoming rollout: "With gonorrhoea cases rising, the launch of this world-first vaccine programme is important and very timely for Northern Ireland’s public health."
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He added, "By targeting those most at risk, we have an opportunity to curb the spread and reduce transmission rates from this complex disease, and to prevent thousands of cases over the next few years." The Minister also stressed the broader health implications of STIs: "STIs aren’t just an inconvenience, they can seriously impact on your health and that of any sexual partners. If you are offered the vaccine, I strongly encourage you take it, it is an important step to protect yourself and others."

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride highlighted the wider public health benefits of the programme. "The introduction of the vaccination programme will have significant public health benefits for both those who receive the vaccine, and the wider population," he said.

Professor Sir Michael encouraged eligible individuals to participate: "The programme has the potential to result in less patients presenting with more complex cases and clusters of gonorrhoea. I would encourage all of those eligible to take up the vaccine when offered later in the year."

The vaccine will be administered by local Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) through Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics. Further information for patients is available on the Sexual Health NI website.

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