If you have a higher chance of getting gonorrhoea, you may be able to get a free gonorrhoea vaccination.
Where to get it
The Bexsero 4MenCB vaccine is available from sexual health clinics in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It’s not yet available in the Isle of Man.
Who can get it
The vaccine may be offered to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who have:
- multiple sexual partners
- had a bacterial STI in the last year, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis
Other people with a higher chance of gonorrhoea may also be offered the vaccine.
If you think you could benefit from the vaccine, talk to your sexual health care provider.
Effectiveness
The vaccine is estimated to be around 32 to 42% effective at preventing gonorrhoea.
Getting vaccinated will lower your chance of getting gonorrhoea compared to people who haven’t been vaccinated, but some people will get gonorrhoea even after being vaccinated.
If you do get gonorrhoea after being vaccinated, any symptoms are likely to be milder than if you’d not had the vaccine. And you’re less likely to pass gonorrhoea on to sexual partners.
Because the vaccine isn’t effective at preventing gonorrhoea, it’s a good idea to use condoms as well. Also see How can I protect myself from gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections?
How it’s given
The vaccine is usually given as an injection in the upper arm.
2 doses are needed. The second dose must be at least 4 weeks after the first dose but can be given later.
You’ll get the full benefit of the vaccine around 2 weeks after the second dose.
You may need to have a booster dose after a few years if you still have a higher chance of gonorrhoea.
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