References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Several STIs can be prevented through vaccination — most notably HPV, hepatitis B and hepatitis A. All three are available free on the NHS for eligible groups and offer effective, long-lasting protection. Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools for preventing STI-related illness and cancer.
Here’s what to know about each.
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The Three Main Vaccine-Preventable STIs
| Vaccine | What It Prevents | Who Is Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| HPV | HPV types causing warts, cervical cancer and other cancers | Routine in UK schools; catch-up up to 25; MSM up to 45 |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B infection | Routine in childhood schedule; free for at-risk adults |
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A infection | MSM and other at-risk groups |
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of human papillomavirus most likely to cause warts and cancer. It is:
- Highly effective against HPV types 16 and 18 (which cause most cervical cancers)
- Also protects against types 6 and 11 (most genital warts)
- Offered routinely to boys and girls in UK schools
- Available free for MSM up to age 45
- Has dramatically reduced HPV-related disease where widely used
Hepatitis B Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection. It’s:
- Part of the UK childhood immunisation schedule (given to babies)
- Available free for adults at higher risk — sexual contacts, healthcare workers, injecting drug users
- Usually given as three doses over several months
- Provides long-lasting protection
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A can spread through faecal-oral contact, including sexual activities like rimming. The vaccine is:
- Recommended for MSM
- Recommended for travellers to high-risk countries
- Available free on the NHS for at-risk groups
- Protects for many years
Mpox Vaccine
While not always classed as an STI vaccine, the mpox (monkeypox) vaccine has become part of the UK sexual health prevention toolkit. Recent mpox outbreaks have been linked to sexual networks, particularly among MSM. The vaccine is available to those at higher risk.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
- All children and adolescents (HPV and hepatitis B are routine)
- Men who have sex with men (HPV up to 45, hepatitis A and B, mpox)
- People with new or multiple partners
- People with occupational risk (healthcare workers)
- Injecting drug users
- Sexual partners of people with hepatitis B
Where to Get Vaccinated
- Sexual health clinics
- GP surgery
- Travel clinics (for hepatitis A)
- Some pharmacies
Are STI Vaccines Safe?
Yes. The vaccines used in the UK are thoroughly tested and monitored. Side effects are usually mild — soreness at the injection site, mild fever or tiredness for a day or two.
Read more: What is HPV? | Hepatitis B and HIV | Ways to prevent STIs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a vaccine for HIV?
Not yet. HIV vaccine research is active but no effective vaccine is available. PrEP is the current prevention method.
Is there a vaccine for chlamydia or gonorrhoea?
Not routinely, but research is ongoing. Early evidence suggests the meningitis B vaccine may offer some protection against gonorrhoea.
Can I get all STI vaccines at once?
Yes — multiple vaccines can usually be given in the same visit. Your clinic will coordinate.
Related reading
- Can Condoms Protect Against HIV?
- Why Is an HIV Prevention Vaccine So Difficult to Develop?
- Do Condoms Prevent STIs?
- HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
- How to Prevent HPV
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
