Vaccinations

We offer a number of vaccinations to protect you against STIs. These vaccinations are offered only to those at higher risk. When you attend a clinic your risk will be assessed, and vaccination will be offered if you need it. All vaccinations are supplied free of charge.

Why get vaccinated?

Protecting yourself against infection is a much safer way to manage your risk of catching STIs. Some STIs can be vaccinated against to prevent you catching them. Vaccines are safe, very effective and their effects last for years.

The following vaccinations are available at Sexual Health Hertfordshire. Please let us know if you are within any of the at-risk groups for each vaccine.

Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause severe inflammation of the liver, although the illness is usually short-lived
Hepatitis A vaccination is offered to all men who have sex with other men
It can be transmitted through oral/anal sexual contact as it is spread via infected poo
You may have already had Hepatitis A vaccinations for travel as it is common in parts of the world where sanitation standards are poor
Immunisation is usually provided by giving 2 vaccinations over the course of a year

Hepatitis B is a blood- borne virus; it is more infectious than HIV
Hepatitis B vaccination is offered to a number of at-risk groups:
- Men who have sex with other men
- Sex workers
- People-who-inject-drugs
- People living with HIV
- Victims of sexual assault
- Anyone who has sexual partners from Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America
- Sexual partners of people with current Hepatitis B infection
It can cause inflammation in the liver which can last for years and may lead to serious illness or death
It is transmitted in genital fluid or blood and can therefore be contracted through unprotected sex or through sharing injecting equipment
You may have already started Hepatitis B vaccinations in your line of work or for travel
Immunisation can help to protect you against Hepatitis B
Usually this compromises 3-4 vaccinations given over the course of a year

HPV vaccination is currently offered in our clinics to men who have sex with men aged under 46 years.
The national program to vaccinate secondary school children has been in place since 2008. This is usually offered through school nurses or your GP. Sexual Health Hertfordshire have been commissioned to support with the HPV catch up programme. Speak to the nurse if you are under 25 and have not been vaccinated at school (link to YP page)
HPV infection is common and easily transmitted to partners through genital contact and usually has no symptoms
There are more than 100 subtypes of HPV, some of which cause genital warts while others can cause cancers of the anus, penis and throat (but warts do not themselves cause cancer)
The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cancer- and wart-causing types of HPV
Immunisation is provided by giving between 1 tor 3 doses depending on your risk and medical history.

In May 2025, NHS England announced it will introduce a gonorrhoea vaccination programme in England, starting in August 2025.

The vaccine is being offered to mainly to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who are considered at highest risk. People of other genders and sexualities may also be eligible if assessed to be at high risk.

Who is Eligible?

GBMSM attending specialist sexual health services.
Specifically, those with a bacterial STI (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis) in the last 12 months OR reporting 5+ partners in the last 3 months.

Why This Vaccine?

The bacteria causing MenB (Meningococcus) and gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) are closely related, so the 4CMenB vaccine offers cross-protection.
High gonorrhea rates in GBMSM prompted this cost-effective, targeted vaccination program.
Vaccine: 4CMenB (e.g., Bexsero).
Doses: Two injections are needed for good protection, at least 4 weeks apart.
Effectiveness: Provides partial protection, reducing risk but not eliminating it.
Continued Prevention: Condoms remain essential after vaccination to prevent gonorrhoea and other STIs.

Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.
The virus causes a range of symptoms depending on the strain (or clade). In 2022, an outbreak of clade 2b mpox was identified, primarily affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in regions where mpox was previously rare. The UK responded with a widespread outbreak vaccination programme using smallpox vaccines. This vaccination has now recommended as a routine vaccination, If you are GBMSM, involved in sex work, or feel you are at high risk of acquiring mpox through sex.