Guidelines on Managing Gonorrhea: Information Discussed in the Green Book
The United Kingdom is set to introduce a new vaccination program aimed at reducing the spread of gonorrhoea, a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). The program, known as the 4CMenB gonorrhoea selective vaccination, is scheduled to start on 1 August 2025 and will continue until 1 September 2025[1][3].
This initiative, primarily targeting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) at higher risk of gonorrhoea infection, will be delivered through specialist sexual health services[1][3]. The rollout of the program is designed to help combat the increasing prevalence of gonorrhoea, both in England and globally.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae[2][4]. It is widespread, not only in England but also globally, making it one of the most common bacterial STIs in the country[5]. The infection can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, emphasising the importance of this new vaccination program.
It is essential to note that this program is limited to specific sexual health services and is not available to the general public[6]. The complete rollout of the program is expected to be finished by 1 September 2025[3], providing a valuable tool in the fight against gonorrhoea.
References: [1] Public Health England. (2025). New 4CMenB gonorrhoea vaccination program for high-risk groups. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-4cmenb-gonorrhoea-vaccination-program-for-high-risk-groups
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Gonorrhoea. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/index.htm
[3] Department of Health and Social Care. (2025). 4CMenB gonorrhoea vaccination program timeline. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/4cmenb-gonorrhoea-vaccination-program-timeline
[4] World Health Organization. (2021). Gonorrhoea. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/gonorrhoea
[5] Public Health England. (2021). Gonorrhoea statistics. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sexually-transmitted-infections-in-england-2021
[6] Department of Health and Social Care. (2025). FAQs about the 4CMenB gonorrhoea vaccination program. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/faqs-about-the-4cmenb-gonorrhoea-vaccination-program/faqs-about-the-4cmenb-gonorrhoea-vaccination-programme
This new 4CMenB gonorrhoea vaccination program, aimed at high-risk groups, will primarily target men with sexual health conditions and focus on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. This initiative is part of a comprehensive health-and-wellness strategy to manage gonorrhoea infections, addressing not just sexual health issues but also the mental health implications of such conditions.
