Gay, bisexual, and all men who have sex with men can access important vaccinations through sexual health clinics to prevent specific infections.
Key things to know
- Gay, bisexual, and all men who have sex with men can access vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.
- GBMSM are offered these vaccines because they are at a higher risk of infection compared to the general population.
- Vaccinations are available through sexual health clinics.
If you think you should be vaccinated or are unsure if you’ve had vaccinations in the past, you can discuss this with your local sexual health clinic.
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- Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is spread in the faeces (poo) of an infected person.
- Although hepatitis A is rare in Scotland, it can be spread during sex, and there have been a number of recent outbreaks among gay and bisexual men.
- Hepatitis A is not usually serious, and most people will get better in a matter of months.
- Vaccination can protect you from hepatitis A infection. It can be given as a standalone vaccination or as a combination vaccine for hepatitis A and B.
- Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. It is found in bodily fluids, including blood, semen and faeces.
- Hepatitis B is highly contagious and can be sexually transmitted.
- Vaccination can protect you from hepatitis B infection. It can be given as a standalone vaccination or as a combination vaccine for hepatitis A and B.
- HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus – There are several types of HPV, it is a very common virus that nearly all sexually active people will be infected with at some point.
- Most people do not realise that they are carrying HPV, and in most people, it clears up quickly.
- However, some types of HPV are harder to clear, which means it stays in the body for longer, which can cause cancer.
- HPV can cause certain types of cancer, including cervical, anal and penile cancers.
- HPV is usually spread during intimate contact.
- The HPV vaccine is available to all gay and bisexual men aged 45 and under through sexual health clinics.
- Since 2019, the HPV vaccine has been offered to all boys in S1 at secondary school – over time, this should ensure protection for all men.
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