New Vaccine to Help Protect Against Gonorrhoea
From 1st August 2025, a new vaccination programme has been launched in sexual health clinics. Certain groups of people can now receive two doses of the MenB (Bexsero) vaccine, which may help protect against gonorrhoea.
- This service is currently available only through sexual health clinics.
- All clinics across Greater Manchester are expected to offer it by 1st September.
- The vaccine is being offered to:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
- Individuals who have had a bacterial STI in the past 12 months, or
- Those who have had 5 or more sexual partners in the last 3 months
If you think you may be eligible, please speak to a clinician at your next sexual health appointment.
👉 For more details, visit the MenB vaccination guide on GOV.UK
Mpox Vaccine Now Routine for Some Groups
The Mpox vaccine (previously known as monkeypox) is now being offered as a routine vaccination to the same eligible group through sexual health services. If you’re part of this group, speak to your sexual health provider during your next visit.
DoxyPEP: New Medication to Help Prevent STIs
DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a new medication now available at sexual health clinics. It can help reduce the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially syphilis and chlamydia.
- DoxyPEP is offered during routine sexual health consultations — there are no dedicated appointments for it.
- Eligibility includes:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
- Trans women
- Non-binary people assigned male at birth
- Clinicians may also offer it to others based on their level of risk.
Studies show DoxyPEP can reduce:
- Syphilis risk by 73–87%
- Chlamydia risk by 70–89%
If you’re interested, please ask about it during your next visit to a sexual health clinic.
Why These Changes Matter: STI Rates in Greater Manchester
Sexual health services across Greater Manchester are responding to rising STI rates:
- In 2024, there were:
- 4,124 cases of gonorrhoea
- 604 cases of syphilis
- Rates of these infections are higher than the national average, especially in Manchester and Salford.
- Most cases were diagnosed in men, particularly gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
- Gonorrhoea is also more common among young people and people of Black Caribbean ethnicity.
Early detection, prevention, and treatment are key to protecting your health and the health of your partners.
Need Support or Advice?
If you have questions about STI testing, vaccines, or treatments like DoxyPEP, please speak to your GP or contact your local sexual health clinic.
You can also find reliable information online at nhs.uk or GOV.UK.