Gonorrhoea vaccines served up at Soho's G-A-Y Bar

London health officials have begun rolling out what they describe as a world-first vaccination program against gonorrhoea, with pop-up clinics at G-A-Y Bar in Soho. The initiative, led by 56 Dean Street NHS clinic, aims to make vaccines more accessible to the groups at highest risk of STIs. The vaccine, originally developed to protect against meningitis B, has shown early field data suggesting it can reduce gonorrhoea risk by around 40%, according to clinicians.

Pop-up events began last month as part of a broader push to combat rising STI rates. London currently sees a disproportionate share among gay and bisexual men, who accounted for about 75% of syphilis and 70% of gonorrhoea cases in the city last year. At G-A-Y, long queues formed along Old Compton Street as people lined up for on-site consultations. Booths inside were converted into makeshift consultation rooms while the club's party atmosphere continued.

Lawrence O'Connell, a senior nurse at 56 Dean Street, said stigma and anxiety around clinical settings can deter people from seeking help, so the aim is to 'be out and be seen' and meet potential clients where they are.

Alongside the vaccine, the pop-ups are offering DoxyPEP, an antibiotic treatment that, when taken within 72 hours of sex, reduces risk of chlamydia and syphilis. Usage is being carefully overseen due to antimicrobial resistance concerns. DoxyPEP is currently recommended for gay and bisexual men and trans women who recently had an STI or have new partners. Health officials say resistance risk is low but ongoing monitoring continues.

What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection passed on through unprotected sex. It's treated with antibiotics. Not everyone has symptoms, but when present they usually appear about two weeks after infection, though symptoms can be delayed. If not treated, it can cause eye infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, prostatitis, or infection in the testicles.

More than 550 people have attended the pop-up events at G-A-Y so far. Ela, who attended the event, said, 'Knowing I've got DoxyPEP and the vaccine will take a lot of anxiety off sex for me.'

Calum and Andrew, who attended after seeing the promotion, said the openness around sexual health in the space was meaningful. Calum said, 'It's something we talk about a lot. It's really nice; it's not shameful.' Andrew added, 'We're single and we live in London. We may as well be safe.'

Two more events are scheduled at G-A-Y on 18 and 25 September, between 16:00 and 19:00. People who may be eligible for the vaccine and DoxyPEP are asked to contact their local sexual health clinic.