Estonia's national vaccination programme covers some vaccines for free, with others available at cost. Gay and bisexual men with multiple partners qualify for several key vaccines through the national schedule or risk-group provisions — but you may need to know to ask.
Mpox Vaccine
Free for gay and bisexual men in risk groups.
Estonia follows European guidance recommending Mpox (monkeypox) vaccination for gay and bisexual men with multiple or changing partners. The vaccine (Imvanex/Jynneos, two doses 28 days apart) is available through the Nakkuskliinik at Lääne-Tallinna Keskhaigla (Paldiski mnt 62).
Ask at your next appointment or call to book a vaccination visit. During outbreak periods, additional vaccination sessions may be available via the Health Board (terviseamet.ee).
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis B is included in the Estonian national childhood vaccination schedule (since the 1990s). If you were vaccinated as a child, you're likely protected. If you're unsure, your infektsionist or GP can check your antibody levels with a blood test.
Hepatitis A is not routinely covered for adults on Haigekassa. For gay and bisexual men with multiple partners, hepatitis A vaccination is clinically recommended (hep A spreads via the faecal-oral route during sexual contact). Ask your infektsionist about access — some clinics offer it at cost; pricing is approximately €40–60 per dose (two doses needed).
Hepatitis B for adults: If you didn't receive the childhood vaccine or your immunity has waned, hepatitis B vaccination for adults is available through your GP or infektsionist. Coverage under Haigekassa depends on clinical indication — discuss with your doctor.
A combined Hep A+B vaccine (Twinrix) is available privately at pharmacies and travel clinics if you want both in one course.
HPV Vaccine
Under 15: Free in the national schedule (for girls; boys were added to the schedule more recently — check current status with your GP or terviseamet.ee).
Adults: Not reimbursed by Haigekassa. The full Gardasil 9 course (2–3 injections) costs approximately €140 per dose — a significant out-of-pocket expense.
HPV causes anal, penile, throat, and mouth cancers, and genital warts — with gay and bisexual men who have receptive anal sex at higher risk of HPV-related anal cancer. If you're under 45 and haven't been vaccinated, it's worth discussing with your infektsionist or GP even at the private cost.
Where to Get Vaccinated
For risk-group vaccines (Mpox, hepatitis B if clinically indicated):
Lääne-Tallinna Keskhaigla — Nakkuskliinik Paldiski mnt 62, 10617 Tallinn Book via digilugu.ee or phone: +372 651 2000
For private vaccines (Hep A, HPV, Hep A+B combined):
Synlab and most Estonian pharmacies (apteek) can arrange or direct you to private vaccination clinics. Qvalitas and Medicum also offer private vaccination services in Tallinn.
What to Say
"Olen mees, kellel on seks meestega. Kas mul on õigus Mpox'i, hepatiit A ja hepatiit B vaktsiinidele?" ("I'm a man who has sex with men. Am I entitled to Mpox, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines?")
Your infektsionist will confirm your entitlement and arrange vaccination.