Exploring perceptions of 4CMenB vaccination for gonorrhoea prevention among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and healthcare professionals in England: a qualitative focus group study

Gonorrhoea diagnoses have increased substantially in recent years, while growing antimicrobial resistance is making infections harder to treat. New approaches to prevention are therefore urgently needed. Researchers from the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections explored how gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), alongside sexual health professionals, viewed the use of the 4CMenB vaccine as a potential tool for gonorrhoea prevention.

Through a series of focus groups, participants generally expressed positive attitudes towards vaccination. Many saw it as a practical way to support sexual health and wellbeing, even though the vaccine was described as offering only partial protection against gonorrhoea. Participants felt that clear information, easy access to vaccination, and trusted communication from healthcare professionals would be critical to achieving good uptake.

The study also highlighted important barriers. Limited access to sexual health services, appointment availability, and restrictive eligibility criteria were seen as potential obstacles, particularly for underserved groups. Participants suggested that community-based delivery models, outreach services and partnerships with community organisations could help improve access and reduce inequalities.

These findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers and service providers as new vaccination programmes are developed. Beyond gonorrhoea, the study demonstrates how community engagement can help shape effective, equitable public health interventions, ensuring that new prevention strategies are accessible, acceptable and responsive to the needs of the populations they are intended to serve.

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