MenB Vaccine and Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, with an estimated 82 million new cases each year. Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, gonorrhea is also known by its slang terms—“the clap” or “the drip.” It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat, and in many cases, it shows no symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including infertility and increased risk of HIV.

Even more concerning, gonorrhea is becoming harder to treat due to rising antibiotic resistance. Strains resistant to nearly all available antibiotics have been reported globally, raising alarms in the public health community. While scientists continue to search for a gonorrhea-specific vaccine, recent research has uncovered a promising alternative: the MenB vaccine, originally designed to prevent meningitis B.

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What Is the MenB Vaccine?

The MenB vaccine (short for meningococcal group B vaccine) protects against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, a major cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis. These vaccines use outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) to trigger an immune response. Intriguingly, Neisseria gonorrhoeae shares genetic similarities with Neisseria meningitidis, prompting researchers to investigate whether MenB vaccines might also offer protection against gonorrhea.

How Effective Is MenB Against Gonorrhea?

Growing evidence suggests that the MenB vaccine offers moderate but meaningful protection against gonorrhea. A 2022 meta-analysis of 12 studies found that:

• One dose of MenB-4C vaccine reduced the risk of gonorrhea by 26%.
• Two doses increased effectiveness to 33%–40%.
• Pooled effectiveness of at least one dose was 32.4%.

Recommended Schedule: 

• Dose 1: Day of first appointment, ~26% protection
• Dose 2: At least 1 month after the first dose to improve protection to ~40%
• Protection may last up to 3 years, though may wane afterward
  

(Some adults at higher risk may be advised to get a 3rd dose, depending on the doctor’s recommendation.)

While not a gonorrhea-specific vaccine, MenB's cross-protection is a game changer, especially as gonorrhea strains become resistant to antibiotics. Protection against gonorrhoea may wane over time, so regular sexual health screening is still important.

Real-world studies from countries including New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the US consistently show that people vaccinated with MenB had 25% to 47% lower incidence of gonorrhea compared to those who were not vaccinated.

In one notable case-control study in New Zealand, young adults who received an OMV-based MenB vaccine were 31% less likely to contract gonorrhea. In Quebec, Canada, a MenB vaccination program led to a 59% reduction in gonorrhea cases, illustrating the potential impact of large-scale vaccination efforts.

Why This Matters: Gonorrhea and Antibiotic Resistance

Gonorrhea’s resistance to antibiotics is one of the most pressing public health issues today. With no specific vaccine and limited treatment options, any additional protection is welcome. The cross-protection provided by the MenB vaccine—though not complete—is seen as a valuable interim solution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to develop new tools to prevent gonorrhea. Until a gonorrhea-specific vaccine is available, MenB vaccines like 4CMenB offer the most favorable strategy for reducing infection rates, particularly in high-incidence regions.

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Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Coinfection

Some studies also looked at gonorrhea/chlamydia coinfection, which is common in sexually active individuals. Results were mixed—some showed up to 44% effectiveness, while others found no significant protection. More research is needed to confirm whether MenB vaccination helps prevent dual infections.

Current Research

While the current evidence is encouraging, researchers note that

• Effectiveness may wane over time, possibly around 36 months post-vaccination.
• Not all MenB vaccines offer protection—MenB-FHbp (non-OMV-based) showed no protection against gonorrhea.
• Most studies involved individuals aged 15–30, so more data is needed across age groups.

Public Health Implications

Health authorities are beginning to take notice. In the UK, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has reviewed the data and now recommends MenB vaccination for high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM), to help curb gonorrhea transmission. This dual-purpose use makes MenB vaccination a practical addition to sexual health strategies, particularly in settings with limited access to care or rising STI rates.

Final Thoughts: MenB Vaccine in PULSE Clinic

The MenB vaccine was originally developed to protect against meningococcal disease, a deadly form of meningitis. But now, it’s clear this vaccine offers additional benefits. By lowering the risk of gonorrhea—a rapidly spreading and increasingly drug-resistant STI—the MenB vaccine plays an unexpected yet vital role in modern public health.

If you’re eligible for the MenB vaccine or considering it for your child or yourself, know that you may be gaining more than just protection against meningitis. You could also be lowering your risk of gonorrhea, making this a smart, two-in-one defense in today’s evolving health landscape.

Chat with Our doctors on MenB vaccine for Gonorrhea Now.
Book Your Appointment Today!

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:

 +66 65 237 1936    @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic