Meningococcal B Vaccine Fails to Cut Gonorrhoea Rates

Large randomized trial finds no effect of meningococcal B vaccine on gonorrhea prevention in high-risk gay and bisexual men

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Contrary to previous observational studies, a large randomized controlled trial has found that the meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) has no effect on preventing the acquisition of gonorrhea in gay and bisexual men. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 587 participants showed virtually identical gonorrhea incidence rates between the vaccine and placebo groups, at around 48% per year.

Why it matters

Gonorrhea is a major public health challenge, especially with the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains. An effective vaccine could transform prevention efforts, so the lack of efficacy for the 4CMenB vaccine is disappointing. This study provides strong evidence that the meningococcal B vaccine does not protect against gonorrhea in high-risk populations, contrary to previous observational data.

The details

The randomized controlled trial, called 'GoGoVax', was conducted by researchers from Griffith University and the Kirby Institute. It involved 587 gay and bisexual men who received either the meningococcal B vaccine or a placebo. The results showed virtually identical gonorrhea incidence rates of around 48% per year in both groups, indicating the vaccine had no effect on preventing gonorrhea acquisition.

  • The trial results were presented on February 25, 2026 at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, Colorado.
  • The meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) was approved for use in Australia in 2013.

The players

Professor Kate Seib

Researcher from Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics who led the 'GoGoVax' trial.

Professor Andrew Grulich

Researcher from the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney who was also a lead on the 'GoGoVax' study.

Brent Mackie

Director of Policy, Strategy and Research at ACON, a collaborator on the study.

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What they’re saying

“Across both arms, the gonorrhoea incidence was virtually the same – at around 48 per cent per year, indicating very clearly that the vaccine had no effect on preventing gonorrhoea.”

— Professor Kate Seib, Researcher, Griffith University (Mirage News)

“An effective vaccine to reduce gonorrhoea would transform our approach to prevention, so it is incredibly disappointing that our research has proven that 4CMenB is not effective in gonorrhoea prevention in gay and bisexual men.”

— Professor Andrew Grulich, Researcher, Kirby Institute (Mirage News)

“Research like this is vital because it helps give our communities the clarity we need. Findings help us refine our approach in preventing the transmission of STIs. We thank everyone who participated in the study. Your contribution will help strengthen sexual health in our communities.”

— Brent Mackie, Director of Policy, Strategy and Research, ACON (Mirage News)

What’s next

Researchers say other options are necessary to combat the growing public health challenge of gonorrhea, including continued use of condoms, regular testing, and community-based prevention services.

The takeaway

This large randomized trial provides strong evidence that the meningococcal B vaccine does not protect against gonorrhea in high-risk populations, contrary to previous observational studies. The findings underscore the importance of well-designed clinical trials to accurately assess vaccine efficacy, rather than relying on potentially confounded observational data.