Northern Ireland approves world-first gonorrhoea vaccination programme

In a landmark move for public health, the Department of Health has approved the rollout of the world’s first targeted vaccination programme against gonorrhoea in Northern Ireland.

Set to begin in August, the programme will offer the vaccine to eligible individuals, primarily focusing on gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This targeted approach is based on recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which responded to a sharp rise in gonorrhoea diagnoses across the region.

Research by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shown that the existing meningococcal B vaccine, 4CMenB, could offer up to 40% protection against gonorrhoea. The findings suggest it could also play a crucial role in tackling the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease.

‘An important and timely measure’

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomed the decision as a proactive response to the alarming increase in gonorrhoea cases in Northern Ireland.

“With gonorrhoea cases rising, the launch of this world-first vaccine programme is important and very timely for Northern Ireland’s public health,” he said.

“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.

“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 also highlighted the broader 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.

“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.”

Alarming rise in gonorrhoea cases

Gonorrhoea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and even genital contact with an infected person.

Symptoms may include green or yellow discharge and pain when urinating, although many people do not display any symptoms, increasing the risk of undetected transmission.

In women and those with a womb or ovaries, complications can include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. In men and others with testicles or a prostate, painful infections of these organs can occur.

Northern Ireland has seen a dramatic rise in cases in recent years. In 2022, there were 1,606 reported diagnoses – a 2.5-fold increase from 652 cases in 2021.

While there was a slight decline to 1,208 cases in 2024, the figures remain significantly high, with around 80% of infections occurring in men. Gay and bisexual men are particularly affected.

Implementation and access

The vaccine will be administered through Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics operated by local Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs). Eligible individuals will be contacted and offered the vaccine as part of their routine sexual health care.

More information is available through Sexual Health NI’s GUM clinic resources: Visiting Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic – Sexual Health NI.