What is the MenB vaccine?
The vaccine, known as Meningococcal B vaccine
(Bexsero®) is part of a routine childhood immunisation schedule to protect
against meningococcal meningitis. As meningococcal disease and gonorrhoea are
closely related, evidence shows that the Meningococcal B vaccine provides good
cross-protection (up to 40%) against gonorrhoea.
You need two doses of the vaccine for
protection. The second dose must be given at least four weeks after the first
dose, but can be given later, whenever you next attend the clinic. The vaccine
is given by injection usually in the upper arm.
From 1st August 2025, a vaccine to protect against the risk of gonorrhoea infection will be available at all GUM clinics across Northern Ireland to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.
How soon will I be protected after being vaccinated?
It takes at least two weeks from your second dose of the vaccine for your body to produce antibodies to give you a good level of protection against gonorrhoea.
Will it stop me getting gonorrhoea?
No, the vaccine won’t completely stop you from getting gonorrhoea but it will reduce the chance of infection and passing it onto other partners.
To be completely safe against gonorrhoea and other STIs you must continue to use condoms.
How does the vaccine work?
The meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) and gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) are closely related. While Bexsero is primarily designed to protect against meningococcal infections (meningitis and septicaemia), studies have shown that the vaccine can also provide some protection against gonorrhoea. This means that individuals who receive the Bexsero vaccine may have a reduced risk of contracting gonorrhoea compared to those who are not vaccinated.
Are there any side-effects?
Whilst serious side-effects are rare, common side effects may include:
- Swelling, redness or tenderness where you have the injection
- Mild fever
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
But these symptoms should disappear after one or two days. You can take over the counter pain medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage these symptoms if needed.
Who can get the vaccine?
At the moment, the vaccine is exclusively for men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men.
How do I get the vaccine?
Not all of the GUM clinics have announced when they’ll be offering walk-in MenB vaccination clinics, we will update as soon as we know more.
Belfast Trust (Royal Victoria Hospital)
- Every Saturday & Sunday from 2nd August until 28th September 9AM-1PM at GUM (Level 3)
Southern Trust
Portadown Health and Care Centre:
- Saturday 2nd August, 9–12.30PM
- Thursday 14th August, 5–6.45PM
- Thursday 28th August, 5–6.45PM
John Mitchel Place, Newry:
- Monday 4th August: 5–6.45PM
- Monday 18 August, 5-6.45PM
Newry Pride
- Saturday 30th August at ‘Seasons Coffee & Studio’ Hill Street Newry, 12–2.30PM