Whilst you might be familiar with vaccinations given throughout childhood and for travel purposes, you might not know that vaccinations exist to protect those most at risk from certain infections passed on through sex.
We offer HPV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Gonorrhoea vaccinations to those most at risk. To book for your vaccinations, please contact us so we can arrange an appointment for you.
HPV
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex). It is now routinely given to all children aged 12/13 years as part of their vaccination schedule.
Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:
- cervical cancer
- mouth cancer
- anal cancer
- penile cancer
- vulval cancer
- vaginal cancer
We vaccinate:
- Gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) up to and including the age of 45
- Trans women
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver. It's spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids.
Hepatitis B can be very serious. It can make the liver suddenly stop working or cause gradual damage to the liver over time. It can also increase your chances of getting liver cancer.
Who do we vaccinate?
- Gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
- Trans women
- People whose partner has hepatitis B
- Those starting/taking PreP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV
- People living with HIV, hepatitis A or hepatitis C
- People who inject drugs and their partners
- Sex workers and those who have sex with sex workers
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is spread in the poo of an infected person. Most people who get it get better within a few months.
Who do we vaccinate?
- Gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with a new or casual partner in last three months
- Anyone living with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- People with known recent exposure to hepatitis A
- People who inject drugs
- Sex workers and those who have sex with sex workers
Gonorrhoea
Please be aware that this is a new vaccination which is currently being rolled out across our clinic locations.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be passed on through unprotected sex. You can learn more about it by clicking here.
A vaccination called Bexsero, which is primarily for meningococcal infections, has been shown in studies to provide some protection against gonorrhoea.
Who do we vaccinate?
To be eligible for the gonorrhoea vaccination, you must be in one of the following groups and have a recent history of multiple sexual partners (5 or above in the last 3 months) or have had a bacterial STI in the past 12 months (such as chlamydia and or gonorrhoea).
- Gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with other men (GBMSM)
- Transgender and non-binary people
- Women with multiple partners (such as sex workers having condomless sex)
- People living with HIV with ongoing risk.
If you feel you may be at risk of gonorrhoea, please visit your local sexual health service to speak with a healthcare professional who can discuss possible vaccination with you.
MPox
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close, person-to-person contact, often via sexual contact. It is most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa, but there have have been a small number of cases of mpox in the UK since 2022. You can find out more about it by clicking here.
A vaccination will be available in YorSexual Health clinics soon. In the meantime, our nearest vaccination service is Leeds. You may be eligible for the mpox vaccine if you are a man who has sex with men and have multiple partners, participate in group sex, or attend sex-on-premises venues. Staff at these venues may also be eligible.
