Gonorrhea (Meningococcal Group B) Vaccine
Gonorrhea (gonococcal infection) is, alongside chlamydia infection, an STI with a large number of cases, and gonorrhea is on the rise in Japan.
It infects not only the genitals but also the pharynx (throat) and the anus, and pharyngeal and anal infections in particular are often asymptomatic. Because sexual contact with an infected person can transmit it with a probability of up to about 50% from just 1 act, it is also an infection that is hard to prevent with condom use alone.
We offer consultations from a specialist standpoint on the gonorrhea vaccine and STI prevention medication (Doxy-PEP).
For those living far away, we offer telephone consultations and a delivery service.
What is the Gonorrhea Vaccine (Meningococcal B Vaccine)?
The meningococcal B vaccine has been used as a vaccine to prevent meningitis (a disease in which the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord become inflamed).
Meningococcus B and gonococcus have similar capsules, a membrane-like structure on the outside of the cell, so it was thought that the vaccine might be usable as a vaccine to prevent gonorrhea.
Development moved forward from around 2004, and there is a study reporting 51% effectiveness in preventing gonorrhea.
For people with an allergy to the medications used to treat gonorrhea, treatment is difficult if they contract gonorrhea, so it is important to consider preventive measures in advance.
– Those who have previously had gonorrhea or another STI
– Those who are allergic to the first-line drug for gonorrhea treatment (ceftriaxone)
– Those who have multiple sexual partners
– Those with especially frequent opportunities for infection, such as CSWs (people working in the sex industry, the adult video industry, etc.)
No serious side effects from the vaccine have been reported, but the following adverse reactions have been reported.
10% or more: pain and swelling at the vaccination site, fatigue, headache
1 to 9%: nausea, fever
Prices
Prices are as follows. The gonorrhea vaccine is offered as 2 doses.
Cost: 25,000 yen per dose (tax included)
Number of doses: 2 doses
Schedule: First dose, 1 month later
Doxy-PEP can be considered alongside it as a separate prevention option.
Patients who receive the gonorrhea vaccine at our clinic can be tested free of charge for gonorrhea and chlamydia (at 3 sites: genital, throat and anal) at the time of the first and second doses (normally valued at 20,000 yen).
In addition, for one year from the date of the first dose, even outside of vaccination visits, you can be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia (at 3 sites: genital, throat and anal) for 3,000 yen (tax included).
This testing can only be provided as self-pay care (care outside insurance coverage). In accordance with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s principle that mixed billing is prohibited, please understand that treatment will also be self-pay.
Consultation Flow
The process for a consultation for vaccination at our clinic is as follows.
Medical Interview and Consultation with a Doctor
After discussing with the doctor, we will consider whether vaccination is possible.
Vaccination and Payment
You receive the vaccination and complete payment. A consultation fee applies for the first vaccination, but from the 2nd dose onward you can receive the vaccine without a consultation (and no consultation fee applies).
Combining with STI Prevention Medication (Doxy-PEP)
Regarding prevention of gonorrhea, you can consult with us individually, including about STI prevention medication (Doxy-PEP) and the vaccine.
▶Luetkemeyer AF, Donnell D, Dombrowski JC, et al. N Engl J Med. 2023
▶Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections, “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of STIs 2020”
We also provide testing, treatment and prevention for STIs.