GoGoVax study publishes findings from randomised control trial on 4CmenB for prevention of gonorrhoea
09 July 2026
(Last updated: 9 Jul 2026 15:35)
The GoGoVax study has now been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study looked at the effectiveness of the 4CmenB vaccine on preventing gonorrhoea in a randomised control trial in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) defined in the study as being at higher risk of gonorrhoea. The study found that there was no reduction in incidence amongst participants who were given the vaccine as compared with a placebo.
Dr Cara Saxon, President of BASHH said:
“The publication of the GoGoVax study in the New England Journal of Medicine is an important addition to the evidence base on gonorrhoea vaccination and provides valuable new data for clinicians, researchers and policymakers to consider.
The current NHS gonorrhoea vaccination programme was introduced following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). This advice was informed by observational studies and modelling data which indicated that 4CMenB could deliver meaningful public health benefits, particularly for people at increased risk of gonorrhoea. Observational studies have indicated efficacy of around 38%. The JCVI recommendations remain unchanged, and the vaccine continues to be available through NHS sexual health services for eligible individuals.
We recognise that this recent study raises potential questions for those considering the vaccine. It is important that new evidence is considered in the context of the wider body of research. Randomised controlled trials are regarded as the gold standard trial for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions such as vaccines and tell us a lot about how they do and don’t work within specific groups. Real-world evidence also plays a critical role in understanding how vaccination programmes perform in practice across diverse populations and settings.
The current UK-wide programme is well underway and will contribute further invaluable insights into vaccine impact. Monitoring of vaccine uptake by UKHSA, alongside gonorrhoea epidemiology and other key data, will add to the evidence base and be critical in informing future policy decisions.
Our members see first-hand the growing impact of gonorrhoea, including near record high diagnoses and increasing antimicrobial resistance. We want to provide the best possible interventions to those who stand to benefit most, and we will be working with UKHSA and others to ensure that we can build and respond to the evidence base.”
In May UKHSA published National gonorrhoea vaccination programme using 4CMenB vaccine: frequently asked questions which also referred to the results of the GoGoVax study.