Scientific research indicates the MenB vaccine provides no protection against gonorrhoea infection. Despite being offered to high-risk men in the UK, a significant trial conducted in Australia suggests the vaccine does not decrease transmission rates.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the GoGoVax study tracked 587 men over two years. Participants were split into two groups, receiving either the 4CMenB vaccine or a placebo. Final results showed no meaningful disparity in infection rates, with 291 cases among vaccinated individuals compared to 285 in the placebo group.
The 4CMenB vaccine was originally developed to protect infants against meningitis B. While earlier, smaller observational studies hinted at a 38% reduction in gonorrhoea, these new findings align with broader evidence suggesting the vaccine is ineffective for this specific purpose.
Dr. Mary Ramsay of the UK Health Security Agency stated that the agency is currently reviewing the situation and has not advised any policy shifts. The agency expects to gather more definitive data from the thousands of people currently vaccinated in England.
Public health experts maintain that condom use and frequent testing remain essential for curbing the rise of sexually transmitted infections. With gonorrhoea cases remaining high and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains increasing, advocates like the Terrence Higgins Trust are urging officials to re-examine the current vaccination programme.
