Protects against vaccine-covered HPV types associated with cancers and genital warts.
Back to the glossarySexual health
Sexual-health vaccination
Vaccination used to reduce infections relevant to sexual or blood exposure, including HPV and hepatitis B for people eligible under current UK programmes and clinical guidance.
Sexual health
In brief
Targeted prevention based on current programme eligibility.
Vaccines are one part of sexual-health prevention. Eligibility depends on age, previous vaccination, occupation, health and exposure circumstances, and programmes differ across UK nations. A clinic or GP should apply current guidance rather than a static online checklist.
Protects against a blood- and body-fluid-transmitted virus affecting the liver.
Recommended in selected circumstances, including some sexual-health and travel indications.
Vaccination or immunoglobulin considered after some exposures under urgent clinical guidance.
HPV programmes
The routine adolescent HPV programme is supplemented by catch-up routes. NHS guidance also includes eligible gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men through sexual-health or HIV clinics up to age 45, plus some others at higher risk.
Schedules and eligibility can change, so confirm current advice. Vaccination does not remove the need for eligible cervical screening.
Hepatitis vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for groups with increased exposure likelihood, including current categories in the UKHSA Green Book. Sexual-health clinics can assess risk and previous doses.
Hepatitis A vaccination may also be advised for some people. The viruses, routes and vaccine schedules are distinct.
Before and after vaccination
Tell the vaccinator about prior doses, allergies, illness, pregnancy considerations and relevant medicines. Most eligible people can be vaccinated, but individual contraindications require clinical assessment.
Protection may require time or multiple doses depending on vaccine and circumstances. Do not assume immediate or universal immunity.
Equity and stigma
Eligibility categories guide service delivery; they do not define identity or blame people for exposure. Offer vaccination confidentially and without assumptions about behaviour.
Vaccines complement testing, barriers, treatment and other prevention. They do not protect against every STI.
Non-graphic examples
What the umbrella may include
- Receiving HPV vaccine through the school programme.
- Using a catch-up route after missed adolescent vaccination.
- Asking a sexual-health clinic about HPV eligibility at age 45 or under.
- Completing a recommended hepatitis B course.
- Seeking urgent advice after a relevant blood or sexual exposure.
Reviewed 30 August 2026
Keep exploring.
This detailed field note uses the best available evidence without treating one community sample as universal. Evidence limits and UK context are stated where relevant.
Prepared by The UK Kink Guide editorial team. Read the evidence and review methodology.
Found an error or important omission? See how to report a correction.
Explore all 268 entries